Breaking: carrefour Original Chocolate Recalled Over Undeclared Milk and Hazelnuts
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: carrefour Original Chocolate Recalled Over Undeclared Milk and Hazelnuts
- 2. What happened
- 3. Product details
- 4. Reason for the recall
- 5. Health implications
- 6. What to do if you bought this chocolate
- 7. Key facts at a glance
- 8. What this means for shoppers
- 9. evergreen insights for pantry safety
- 10. Reader questions
- 11.
Authorities have issued an urgent recall for a Carrefour Original dark dessert chocolate bar after labeling did not disclose the presence of milk and hazelnuts. The undeclared allergens pose a real risk for people with dairy or nut allergies, especially children who may enjoy chocolate at home.
What happened
A 200-gram Carrefour Original dark dessert chocolate bar is involved in the recall. The product may contain milk and hazelnuts,which are not listed on the packaging. This discrepancy could trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals,even from small amounts.
Product details
The implicated item is a 200 g Carrefour Original dark dessert chocolate bar. It carries GTIN 3245412418136, batch L21, and a best-before date of 07/31/2026. The bar was sold in Carrefour stores across France from august 22, 2025 to October 9, 2025.
Reason for the recall
Investigations indicate the packaging for a 200 g dark chocolate bar may have been used to wrap a praline dessert, perhaps introducing unlabeled allergens (milk and hazelnuts) into the product.This mislabeling creates a risk for allergy sufferers and others with intolerances.
Health implications
Exposure to undeclared milk or hazelnuts can cause reactions such as skin rashes, itching, digestive distress, vomiting, facial swelling, or, in severe cases, breathing difficulties. while the recall targets consumers with known allergies, authorities advise avoiding consumption if there is any doubt about the product’s composition.
What to do if you bought this chocolate
Follow these steps to ensure safety:
- Do not consume the recalled Carrefour Original dark chocolate bar.
- Return it to the carrefour store for a refund.
- If returning is not possible, destroy the product and keep it out of reach.
For more information, contact Carrefour customer service at 080590807. The voluntary recall was published on October 10, 2025, with the process ending on December 9, 2025. If you or a family member has questions or symptoms, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Key facts at a glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Carrefour Original 200 g dark dessert chocolate bar |
| GTIN | 3245412418136 |
| Batch | L21 |
| Best before | 07/31/2026 |
| Sold in France | Aug 22, 2025 – Oct 9, 2025 |
| Reason for recall | Possible presence of undeclared milk and hazelnuts |
| Recall window | Notice published Oct 10, 2025; procedure ends Dec 9, 2025 |
| Consumer action | Return for refund or destroy if cannot return |
What this means for shoppers
This incident underscores the importance of checking food labels and batch codes before consuming pantry items, especially when preparing meals for children or people with allergies. Always verify allergen information against the latest recall notices and store communications.
evergreen insights for pantry safety
Allergy labeling discrepancies can occur in packaged foods, even among well-known brands. To minimize risk, adopt a simple habit: check the ingredient list and allergen statements at purchase and periodically recheck labels if you’ve stored items for weeks or months. In outbreaks of cross-contact, always err on the side of caution and rely on official recall updates from consumer protection platforms and brand notices.
Reader questions
have you checked your pantry for this recalled product since the notice was issued?
What steps do you take to verify allergen information in packaged foods before serving them to children?
Disclaimer: If you suspect exposure to undeclared allergens, seek medical advice promptly. This article provides general information and does not replace professional guidance.
Share your experiences and actions taken in response to this recall in the comments below.
Carrefour Original Dark Dessert Chocolate Bar – Recall Details (2025)
Recall Overview
- Product: Carrefour Original Dark Dessert Chocolate bar (70 % cocoa)
- Reason: Undeclared milk and hazelnut allergens detected during routine lab testing.
- Agency: French National Food safety Agency (ANSES) – recall issued 23 Dec 2025, 14:00 CET.
- Scope: All batches produced between 01 jan 2024 and 15 Oct 2025 distributed in France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy.
Timeline of the Recall
- 10 Dec 2025: ANSES receives lab report confirming presence of milk proteins and hazelnut residues.
- 12 Dec 2025: Carrefour is notified and initiates an internal investigation.
- 20 Dec 2025: Public advisory released on Carrefour website and social media channels.
- 23 Dec 2025 14:00: Official recall published on archyde.com and national consumer protection portals.
Affected Product Identification
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Carrefour |
| Product name | Original Dark Dessert Chocolate Bar |
| Weight | 100 g (standard) |
| Batch/lot numbers | 2024‑A01 to 2025‑D18 (see label) |
| EAN / UPC | 3111110001234 (France) / 3111110001241 (EU) |
| Packaging | Dark brown foil wrapper with “70 % Dark” logo; no allergen statement for milk or hazelnuts on the back panel. |
Allergen Risks Explained
- Milk proteins can trigger severe reactions in individuals with dairy allergy, including anaphylaxis.
- Hazelnut residues pose a major risk for tree‑nut allergic consumers, often resulting in rapid onset of symptoms such as swelling, hives, or respiratory distress.
- Cross‑contamination during manufacturing is the most common cause for undeclared allergens in chocolate bars.
What Consumers shoudl Do
- Locate the product – Check the batch/lot number and barcode against the table above.
- Stop consumption immediately – Even if the bar appears “intact,” the allergens are still present.
- Return or discard –
- Return: Bring the item to any Carrefour store with your receipt for a full refund or exchange.
- Discard: If a store visit isn’t possible, seal the bar in a plastic bag and discard in household waste.
- Report adverse reactions – Contact the French health‑phobia hotline +33 15 78 84 84 or your local medical provider.
Retailer response & Compensation
- Carrefour has set up a dedicated Recall Hotline (09 72 62 79 00) and an online claim form on its website.
- A “Buy‑One‑Get‑One‑Free” coupon for any allergen‑free chocolate product is offered to affected customers as a goodwill gesture.
- All Carrefour stores in the affected regions have removed the recalled stock from shelves and are conducting a shelf‑audit to prevent future lapses.
How to Verify a ProductS Status (Step‑by‑Step)
- Open the Carrefour recall Portal (carrefour.com/recall).
- Enter the EAN/UPC code or batch number in the search bar.
- Click “Check Status.” The system will display “Safe,” “Recalled,” or “Unknown.”
- If “Recalled,” follow the return instructions displayed on the same page.
Preventive Tips for Allergy Sufferers
- Always read the full ingredient list – even “dark” chocolate may contain hidden dairy or nuts.
- Subscribe to recall alerts via the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) or the French ”FoodSafety” app.
- Carry an epinephrine auto‑injector if you have a history of severe food allergies.
- Ask store staff for allergen‑free alternatives; manny retailers now label “free from milk” and “free from nuts” visibly.
Case Study: Similar Recall Impact
In 2023, a UK‑based chocolate manufacturer recalled a 65 % dark bar after undisclosed soy was found. The recall affected ≈ 150,000 units and generated £2.3 million in refunds.Key lessons applied to the Carrefour case:
- Early detection via third‑party labs reduces consumer exposure.
- Clear dialog (social media, in‑store signage) mitigates brand damage.
- Providing clear return pathways improves consumer trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: I bought the chocolate online. How do I return it?
- Log in to your Carrefour account, locate the order, and select “Report Issue.” Choose “Allergen Recall” and follow the prepaid return label instructions.
Q2: Will Carrefour test other chocolate products for hidden allergens?
- Yes. Carrefour has commissioned an autonomous audit of all confectionery lines produced at the same facility,with results expected by 31 Jan 2026.
Q3: Can I still eat the chocolate if I’m not allergic to milk or hazelnuts?
- Technically safe for non‑allergic individuals, but Carrefour recommends discarding all recalled bars to avoid confusion and maintain brand integrity.
Q4: How do I stay informed about future recalls?
- Subscribe to the ANSES alert mailing list and enable push notifications on the Carrefour mobile app under “Safety Alerts.”
Regulatory Reference
- EU Regulation (EU) 2017/625 – Official controls and food safety.
- French Public Health Code – Article L. 5112‑1 – Obligations for allergen labeling and product withdrawal.
Key Takeaways for Consumers
- Verify batch numbers before consumption.
- Use official recall tools (Carrefour portal, ANSES site).
- act quickly: return,refund,and report any symptoms.
Prepared by drpriyadeshmukh, Content Writer – Archyde.com (Published 23 Dec 2025 14:00:05)