President’s Choice Milk Chocolate Recalled: Are you affected?

Sumit Chhabra, B.S. Pharm, M.S., RPh -

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Last updated Mar 13, 2024.

Verified by Sumit Chhabra, B.S. Pharm, M.S., RPh

Loblaw Companies Limited, a leading name in the Canadian retail sector, has announced a crucial recall of its President’s Choice Milk Chocolate with Toasted Coconut bars (UPC: 0 60383 20922 3; Size: 300 G; Best Before: 2024 SE 19) due to the unintended presence of hazelnuts. This alert is particularly significant for individuals with hazelnut (Tree Nut) allergies, as the undeclared allergen poses a serious health risk.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the national authority responsible for food safety, has issued a strong advisory against the usage, sale, or distribution of the implicated product.

The recall is extensive, covering numerous regions across Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Nunavut, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.

Additional Resources

Consumers and stakeholders can access further details on this recall by visiting the CFIA's official recall page here.

Tree Nut Allergies in Canada

Tree nuts are recognized as priority allergens in Canada due to their potential to cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. In Canada, tree nuts that are classified as priority allergens include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts (pignolias), pistachio nuts, and walnuts. Over 1.4% of the Canadian population is affected by tree nut allergies. Individuals with tree nut-allergies must be vigilant in avoiding these nuts, as even small amounts can trigger a reaction.

Alternative Tree Nut Free Snacks

Individuals with Tree Nut allergies can find alternative snacks marketed as tree nut-free and produced in dedicated facilities such as Free2b, Enjoy Life, and No Whey Foods. Additional details on these nut-free brands, chocolates, and snacks can be found in our posts:

For reporting any discrepancies or for more information, please contact us at info@flappd.ca.

About the Author

Sumit Chhabra, B.S. Pharm, M.S., RPh

Founder & CEO, Flappd

Sumit Chhabra is the founder of Flappd, a leader in the food allergy and intolerance sector. His background in pharmacy and role as a father to a child with multiple food allergies give him a unique dual perspective. Sumit combines his scientific knowledge with real-life insights to drive Flappd's mission. He aims to connect consumers with dietary restrictions to safe, suitable products. His personal and professional experiences shape Flappd's commitment to an inclusive and informed marketplace for those with food allergies.

References

  1. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2024). President's Choice brand Milk Chocolate Toasted Coconut recalled due to undeclared hazelnut. Retrieved from https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/president-s-choice-brand-milk-chocolate-toasted-coconut-recalled-due-undeclared
  2. Canadian Transportation Agency. (n.d.). Ministerial inquiry into allergies to peanuts, nuts and sesame seeds in commercial air travel - Report of the inquiry officer. https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/publication/ministerial-inquiry-allergies-peanuts-nuts-and-sesame-seeds-commercial-air-travel-report
  3. Health Canada. (n.d.). Tree nuts - Priority food allergens. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/reports-publications/food-safety/tree-nuts-priority-food-allergens.html