Golden Harvest Bakery, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a voluntary recall for its Honey Wheat bread sold in 12 states due to the presence of undeclared walnuts. This significant undeclared allergen recall was initiated after a consumer reported an allergic reaction, prompting a public health alert for individuals with severe nut allergies.
Undeclared Allergen Recall Information at a Glance
| Key Fact | Detail |
| Product Recalled | Golden Harvest Bakery Honey Wheat Bread (24 oz. loaf) |
| UPC Code | 0 12345 67890 1 |
| “Best By” Dates | All dates between JUL 20, 2025, and AUG 05, 2025 |
| Reason for Recall | Undeclared walnuts; risk of severe allergic reaction. |
Details of the Bakery Product Recall
The Undeclared Allergen Recall affects Golden Harvest Honey Wheat bread distributed to retail stores across 12 states: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
The bakery initiated the recall after a consumer in Ohio experienced an adverse reaction consistent with a nut allergy after consuming the product. Subsequent investigation by the company discovered that a batch of walnuts was inadvertently mixed into the wheat flour supply, leading to cross-contamination on a production line that is not designated as nut-free.
“The safety of our customers is our absolute highest priority,” said a spokesperson for Golden Harvest Bakery in a statement released Monday. “We have identified the source of the issue and are taking immediate and comprehensive action to rectify the situation and prevent any recurrence.”
The company confirmed it has ceased production and distribution of the affected product while it and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue their investigation into the supply chain breakdown.
FDA Issues Urgent Food Safety Alert
The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall, its most serious designation. A Class I recall is issued in situations where there is a “reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
In its official food safety alert, the FDA warned that “consumers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to walnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.” The agency is working with Golden Harvest Bakery to ensure all affected products are removed from store shelves and that the public is adequately informed.
The Serious Health Threat of Anaphylaxis Risk
For individuals with tree nut allergies, accidental exposure can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction. Symptoms can appear within minutes and include hives, swelling of the lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a rapid drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
“Undeclared Allergen Recall are a significant public health threat because the element of surprise removes the individual’s ability to protect themselves,” said Dr. Eleanor Vance, a senior fellow in immunology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. “For someone with a severe walnut allergy, even a small, hidden amount in a trusted food product can be catastrophic. The only effective immediate treatment for anaphylaxis is an injection of epinephrine.”
According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a leading advocacy group, tree nut allergies are one of the most common food allergies in both children and adults. The organization stresses the importance of vigilant label reading and immediate medical attention if an allergic reaction is suspected.
Company Response and Consumer Guidance
Golden Harvest Bakery has urged consumers who have purchased the affected Honey Wheat bread to not consume it. The company advised that the product should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.
“We are deeply sorry for the concern and risk this has caused,” the company’s statement continued. “We are working around the clock to ensure every affected loaf is accounted for and have implemented enhanced allergen testing protocols on our raw ingredients.”
Customers with questions can contact the Golden Harvest consumer hotline, which has been established to handle inquiries related to this bakery product recall.
Undeclared allergens remain the leading cause of food recalls in the United States, according to FDA data. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) mandates that the labels of all packaged food products sold in the U.S. must clearly identify the presence of any of the nine major food allergens, which include tree nuts like walnuts.
The current incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of stringent manufacturing controls and transparent supply chains. The investigation will focus on how the contaminated flour was introduced and why existing safety checks failed to detect it before the product reached consumers.
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