Undeclared Allergens in Cal Yee Farm Chocolates Could Cause Severe Reactions and Legal Liability
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded the recall of certain yogurt- and chocolate-covered products to the highest risk level, designating them as a Class I health threat. This classification means consuming the affected products could cause serious adverse health consequences or even death. The recall applies to multiple chocolate products manufactured by Cal Yee Farm, including Dark Chocolate Almonds, Dark Chocolate Apricots, and Dark Chocolate Walnuts. The FDA determined that these products contain undeclared allergens, including milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6 (a synthetic dye), and almonds, none of which were listed on the packaging.
The recall was initiated after an FDA inspection uncovered serious labeling violations at the company's manufacturing facility. The agency warned that individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients could experience life-threatening reactions if they consume the mislabeled chocolates. The recalled products were widely distributed across several states, including California, Arizona, Virginia, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Many were also included in fruit baskets available for purchase online through the Cal Yee Farm website.
These chocolates were packaged in clear plastic zippered pouches of varying sizes—8-ounce, 1-pound, 2-pound, and 5-pound—and featured bright yellow labels identifying the product on the front, with a small white UPC label on the back. The recall also includes Boa Vista Orchard branded Butter Toffee Almonds, which were sold in 6-ounce zippered pouches with similar labeling. Additionally, the fruit baskets containing the recalled chocolates were packaged with a yellow label on the back.
The FDA has advised consumers who have purchased these products and have allergies or sensitivities to the undeclared ingredients to avoid consuming them and either dispose of them or return them to the manufacturer for a full refund. The recall has been widely reported by media outlets, including Consumer Affairs and Newsweek, amplifying concerns about the potential dangers associated with these mislabeled products.
How People Are Harmed by Undeclared Allergens in Chocolate Products
Undeclared allergens in food products pose a serious risk to individuals with allergies. When allergens like milk, soy, wheat, and sesame are not listed on the packaging, consumers with sensitivities may unknowingly ingest them, leading to severe allergic reactions. These reactions can range from mild symptoms, such as rashes and digestive discomfort, to more serious conditions like anaphylaxis, which can cause difficulty breathing, swelling, and even death without immediate medical intervention.
For individuals with severe food allergies, avoiding exposure requires careful label reading and reliance on accurate product information. When manufacturers fail to disclose ingredients, they put consumers at serious risk. In cases where the reaction is severe, emergency medical treatment is often required, leading to expensive hospital visits, lost wages, and long-term health complications. This type of harm is entirely preventable, making the failure to properly label food products a serious issue of corporate negligence.
Legal Rights of Consumers Affected by the Chocolate Recall
Victims who have suffered adverse reactions due to the mislabeled chocolates may have legal grounds to file a product liability lawsuit against Cal Yee Farm. Food manufacturers are legally required to provide accurate ingredient labeling, especially when dealing with allergens known to cause serious health risks.
A product liability lawsuit in this situation would be based on strict liability, negligence, and failure to warn. If a company releases a food product that contains allergens without properly listing them, it can be held accountable for any harm caused. Plaintiffs would need to demonstrate that:
- They consumed the recalled product.
- They suffered an allergic reaction or illness as a result.
- The reaction was caused by an undisclosed allergen in the product.
The Process of Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit for injuries caused by a defective or mislabeled food product involves several important steps. The process typically begins with gathering medical records, purchase receipts, and expert testimony to establish the link between the product and the victim’s injuries. A formal legal complaint is then filed against the manufacturer, outlining the claims of negligence, product defect, and failure to warn.
Once the lawsuit is filed, both parties enter a discovery phase, where evidence is exchanged and witnesses may be deposed. Many product liability cases settle before trial through negotiations between the plaintiff’s attorneys and the company’s legal team. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury determines the company’s liability and the amount of compensation owed to the victim.
Why an Attorney Is Necessary for a Product Liability Claim
Victims pursuing a lawsuit against Cal Yee Farm will need legal representation to ensure they receive fair compensation. Product liability cases can be complex, requiring knowledge of FDA regulations, food labeling laws, and corporate liability. Large companies often have teams of attorneys working to minimize their financial responsibility, making it difficult for individual consumers to obtain justice without legal assistance.
A product liability attorney can handle every stage of the case, from evidence collection to settlement negotiations and trial advocacy. They will ensure that all necessary documentation is filed correctly, that expert witnesses are brought in to strengthen the case, and that the manufacturer is held fully accountable for the harm caused by its mislabeled products.
Potential Compensation in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims affected by the Cal Yee Farm chocolate recall may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Compensation may also include reimbursement for the cost of the recalled product and any related out-of-pocket expenses. In cases where gross negligence is proven, courts may award punitive damages to further hold the company accountable and deter similar misconduct in the future.
If you or a loved one suffered an allergic reaction after consuming Cal Yee Farm chocolate products, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is committed to fighting for consumer safety and holding negligent manufacturers accountable.
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