Authentik Fudge, a company based in Sainte-Julie, Quebec, Canada, has issued a recall of their Chocolate Fudge with Nuts product, sold under the brand name MONTREAL FUDGE due to potential contamination with mold. Mold can cause a number of side effects including respiratory illness, allergic reactions, and mycotoxin poisoning.
Background
The recall was initiated after a consumer complaint about mold pieces inside a purchased box. Subsequently, the company discovered signs of mold in some remaining unpacked sealed products at their manufacturing facility.
The affected products were distributed on June 19 and 20, 2024, and sold through TJ Maxx and Marshalls retail chains across multiple states in the United States.
TJ Maxx stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming received the product.
Marshalls stores in 38 states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming.
Product Details
- Product Name – MONTREAL FUDGE Chocolate Fudge with Nuts
- Size – 5.6 oz (160 g)
- Packaging – Gable box
- Lot Numbers and Expiration Dates
- Lot 0241500805 with expiration date March 1, 2025
- Lot 0241690105 with expiration date March 17, 2025
- Lot 0241690205 with expiration date March 17, 2025
No other products from the company are affected by this recall.
Consumer Action
Consumers should search their homes for the recalled fudge. As with all food recalls, consumers should discontinue use even if the product looks or smells safe to eat.
Consumers are urged to either dispose of the recalled products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For additional questions or concerns, consumers can contact the company or by phone at (450) 649-1331 or 877-313-1331, extensions 210 or 205, or via email at [email protected] from Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm EST.
Health Risks
As of the recall announcement, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this issue.
Mold can cause a number of side effects including respiratory illness, allergic reactions, and mycotoxin poisoning. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA), “mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by certain molds found primarily in grain and nut crops, but are also known to be on celery, grape juice, apples, and other produce.”
Commenting on this story, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “This recall shows that quality control in food production and the need for prompt action when potential contamination is discovered is critical in protecting the health of the public. Consumers are advised to check their purchases and follow all recall instructions if they have bought the affected product.”