Connecticut Chocolate Bars Recalled For Undeclared Allergen

A popular small-batch chocolatier in Connecticut has issued a recall for one of its specialty chocolate bars because of a labeling mistake. This error could pose a serious risk to people with nut allergies.

The recall affects Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company’s “Almond Despair” bar. State consumer protection officials and allergy-conscious shoppers from Harwinton to Hartford and beyond have taken notice.

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Connecticut Veteran-Owned Chocolatier Issues Recall

Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company is a veteran-owned sweets maker based in Harwinton. They’ve built a loyal following across Connecticut towns like Bristol, Waterbury, and New Britain for their small-batch, often spicy, chocolate creations.

Now, the company’s in the spotlight for a different reason: a safety-focused recall involving one of its nut-containing products. Nobody likes to see a beloved local business hit a snag, but mistakes happen, even to the best.

The product at the center of the recall is the “Almond Despair” chocolate bar. It’s a two-ounce bar sold in distinctive purple wrappers.

This incident highlights how even experienced producers can run into trouble when ingredients aren’t listed correctly. Even with a strong reputation, a single labeling slip-up can have big consequences.

What Went Wrong With the Label?

State officials say the trouble started with a misprint on the ingredient label. The “Almond Despair” bar contains almonds, but the label mistakenly lists macadamia nuts instead.

It might sound like a small wording issue, but for people with almond allergies, that’s a huge problem. The difference isn’t just technical—it’s about safety.

Federal and state regulations require that major allergens be clearly and accurately declared on packaged foods. If a label omits or misnames an allergen, people can be exposed without warning.

Why the Recall Matters for Allergy Sufferers

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has classified this as a Class II recall. That means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, but the odds of long-term consequences are lower.

Still, for folks in cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, and smaller communities across the state who live with almond allergies, the risk isn’t something to brush off.

Potential Health Risks From Undeclared Almonds

Almonds are a tree nut and one of the eight major food allergens that must be clearly listed on ingredient labels. For people with almond allergies, eating this mislabeled chocolate bar could cause:

Mild to moderate reactions, like hives, itching, or swelling of the lips and face

Severe reactions, such as trouble breathing, wheezing, or throat tightness

Anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention

State officials say that as of Monday, nobody has reported illnesses or allergic reactions. The recall’s happening proactively to keep people safe.

Where the Recalled Chocolate Was Sold

The “Almond Despair” bars were produced in Harwinton. They made their way to a limited number of retail locations.

Shoppers in Connecticut and neighboring states should check their recent purchases, especially if they shop at specialty or novelty stores.

Retail Locations That Received the Product

The recalled two-ounce chocolate bars in purple wrappers went to three stores in three states:

Curioporium in Southington, Connecticut

Army Barracks in Saugus, Massachusetts

Puckerbutt Pepper Co. in Fort Mill, South Carolina

These shops often attract customers from surrounding areas, like Meriden, Middletown, and the greater Hartford region. State officials urge anyone who bought a Willy Pete’s “Almond Despair” bar to double-check their packaging.

What Consumers Should Do Now

If you have a Willy Pete’s “Almond Despair” bar at home—especially one in a purple wrapper—it’s time to treat it as part of the recall. This is especially important if anyone in your household has a known nut allergy.

Steps for Customers Who Bought the Bar

Officials and the company want customers to do a few things:

Don’t eat the bar if you have an almond allergy, or if you’re not sure whether someone in your home might be allergic.

Bring the product back to where you bought it—Curioporium in Southington or any of the other listed retailers—and you’ll get a full refund.

Call your doctor right away if anyone who ate the bar has symptoms like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling.

If you’ve got questions, you can reach out to Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company or the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection for more info about this Class II recall.

Here is the source article for this story: Chocolate bars made in Connecticut recalled over undeclared allergen

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