Hartford Bakery Issues Nationwide Bread Recall Due to Potential Health Risk

Hartford Bakery Recalls “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan style 1/2 Loaf” Due to Undeclared Hazelnuts

By Archyde Staff Writer

Published: January 1, 2025

Effingham, Ill. – Hartford Bakery, Inc. has announced a voluntary recall impacting hundreds of loaves of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf.” This proactive measure is in response to the potential presence of undeclared hazelnuts in the product.

The bakery stated that consumers with a nut allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts face a risk of serious

What steps should consumers take if they have purchased affected Hartford Bakery bread products?

Recall Details: Affected Products & Dates

Hartford Bakery announced a voluntary nationwide recall of several bread products today, July 17, 2025, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall impacts a wide range of their popular loaves,rolls,adn specialty breads.

Here’s a breakdown of the affected products:

White Bread: All sizes, with best-by dates between July 10, 2025, and July 24, 2025.

Whole Wheat Bread: All sizes, with best-by dates between July 10, 2025, and July 24, 2025.

Sourdough Bread: All sizes, with best-by dates between July 12, 2025, and July 26, 2025.

Dinner Rolls: 12-count and 24-count packages, with best-by dates between July 15, 2025, and July 29, 2025.

Specialty Breads (Rye, Pumpernickel, Multigrain): All sizes, with best-by dates between July 12, 2025, and July 26, 2025.

Consumers are urged to check the “best by” date printed on the packaging.Product codes are also available on the Hartford Bakery website (link below) to further verify if your bread is included in the recall.

Health Risk Associated with Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis.Symptoms can include:

Fever

Muscle aches

Headache

Stiff neck

Confusion

Loss of balance

Convulsions

Listeriosis is particularly perilous for:

Pregnant women and their newborns

Older adults

People with weakened immune systems

If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming Hartford Bakery bread, seek medical attention instantly.The CDC estimates approximately 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die.

What to Do If You Have Affected Bread

if you have any of the recalled Hartford Bakery products in your home, do not eat them. The bakery advises consumers to:

1. Discard the bread immediately. Throw it away in a sealed bag to prevent accidental consumption by people or pets.
2. Clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the bread,including cutting boards,countertops,and refrigerators.
3. Contact Hartford Bakery for a full refund or replacement. Their customer service number is 1-800-HARTFORD (1-800-427-8367).
4. Report any illness to your healthcare provider and to the FDA.

Source of the Contamination & Investigation

Hartford Bakery initiated the recall after routine testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed the presence of Listeria in samples taken from their main production facility in Hartford, Connecticut. The FDA is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the contamination and to ensure corrective actions are taken to prevent future occurrences. Initial findings suggest the contamination may stem from a faulty piece of equipment, but the investigation is ongoing.

Previous Bread Recalls & Industry Trends

Nationwide bread recalls, while not frequent, do occur. In 2023, a similar recall was issued by a regional bakery due to mold contamination. These events highlight the importance of stringent food safety protocols in the baking industry. Factors contributing to potential contamination include:

Complex Supply Chains: Ingredients sourced from multiple suppliers increase the risk.

large-Scale Production: Higher volumes can make it more challenging to maintain consistent sanitation.

Environmental Factors: Listeria can survive in cool, moist environments.

Resources & Further Information

Hartford Bakery Recall Website: [Insert placeholder URL – e.g., www.hartfordbakeryrecall.com]

FDA Recall Information: [Insert Placeholder URL – e.g., www.fda.gov/safety/recalls]

CDC Listeriosis Information: [Insert Placeholder URL – e.g., www.cdc.gov/listeria]

FoodSafety.gov: [Insert Placeholder URL – e.g., www.foodsafety.gov]

Understanding Bread Components & Safety

When considering bread safety, it’s helpful to understand the components.The “inside of a loaf” – the crumb – is particularly susceptible to contamination if proper hygiene isn’t maintained during production. (WordReference Forums, 2025). This emphasizes the need for rigorous cleaning and sanitation procedures within bakeries.