Urgent Alert: 3 Massive Bread Recalls In 2025 Over Undeclared Allergens—What Consumers MUST Know Now

The recent wave of undeclared allergen bread recalls has put consumers on high alert across the United States, with multiple major bakery incidents reported in 2025. These recalls, issued by companies like Hartford Bakery (Lewis Bake Shop), Hillside Orchard Farms, and New Grains Gluten Free Bakery, involve life-threatening allergens such as hazelnuts (a major tree nut), eggs, soy, and milk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified these as serious risks, as the consumption of these products by allergic individuals can lead to severe, even fatal, reactions like anaphylactic shock. As of today, December 18, 2025, consumers must immediately check their pantries for the specific products and lot codes detailed in these urgent safety alerts.

The core issue driving these incidents is a critical breakdown in labeling and packaging protocols, where a product containing a major food allergen is mistakenly packaged or labeled without the required declaration. This oversight is particularly dangerous for the estimated 32 million Americans living with food allergies, making immediate, accurate information a necessity for public health and safety. The following is a deep dive into the most recent and significant bread and bakery product recalls of 2025.

The 2025 Allergy Crisis: Company Profiles, Recalled Products, and Undeclared Allergens

The year 2025 has seen a significant number of Class I recalls—the most serious type, involving products where there is a reasonable probability that eating the food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Three major bakery companies have been at the center of these alerts, each presenting a distinct and serious risk to consumers with specific sensitivities.

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1. Hartford Bakery, Inc. (Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf)

Company Overview: Hartford Bakery, Inc., a producer for the well-known Lewis Bake Shop brand, initiated a voluntary recall on July 10, 2025, after discovering a critical packaging error. The company, headquartered in West Hartford, Connecticut, is a major supplier of baked goods across the Midwest and Southern United States.

The Undeclared Allergen: Hazelnuts (Tree Nut)

The recall was triggered because the "Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf" may contain undeclared hazelnuts. Hazelnuts are one of the most common and potent tree nuts, and their presence was not listed on the product’s label, despite being visibly present in the bread in some cases.

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Affected Products and Distribution:

The recall specifically involves six affected lot codes of the Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf. This product was widely distributed to major retailers, including Walmart and Kroger, across a dozen U.S. states.

The 12 Affected States:

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• Michigan
• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• Georgia
• Arkansas
• Missouri
• Florida
• Alabama

2. Hillside Orchard Farms (Fruit Breads & Fritters)

Company Overview: Hillside Orchard Farms, based in Tiger, Georgia, issued an allergy alert on July 28, 2025, concerning a wide range of their baked goods. The company's recall was a precautionary measure after an ingredient omission was identified in their production process.

The Undeclared Allergen: Egg

The recall was due to the presence of undeclared egg, one of the "Big Nine" major food allergens, in the products. Egg is a common ingredient in baking, but its omission from the label poses a severe risk to individuals with an egg allergy.

Affected Products:

The alert covers 15 different varieties of their 23-ounce Fruit Breads and their 7.5-ounce Fritters. Consumers are urged to check the Best By dates and UPC codes on all fruit bread and fritter products purchased from the company around this time.

3. New Grains Gluten Free Bakery (Gluten-Free Products)

Company Overview: New Grains Gluten Free Bakery, located in Spanish Fork, Utah, specializes in products for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. The company issued a voluntary recall on May 21, 2025, highlighting the complexity of allergen control even in specialized food manufacturing environments.

The Undeclared Allergens: Egg, Soy, and Milk

The labeling error in this case was particularly broad, involving not one, but three major undeclared allergens: Eggs, Soy, and Milk. This triple threat significantly increased the number of consumers at risk, as allergies to these ingredients are highly prevalent.

Affected Products:

The recall covered a variety of the bakery’s offerings, including numerous flavors of their breads, bagels, cookies, and croutons. This incident serves as a stark reminder that "gluten-free" does not automatically mean "allergen-free."

The Life-Threatening Risks: Anaphylaxis and Allergen Exposure

The reason the FDA and companies treat undeclared allergen recalls with such urgency is the risk of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. This is a rapid, life-threatening immunological response that requires immediate medical attention and often an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen).

Symptoms of Tree Nut (Hazelnut) Allergy

For the Lewis Bake Shop recall involving hazelnuts, consumers with an allergy are at risk of experiencing a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. These can start rapidly after consumption:

• Itching or tingling in the mouth or throat (Oral Allergy Syndrome)
• Hives, rash, or skin swelling (Angioedema)
• Trouble breathing, wheezing, or tightness in the chest
• Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea
• A sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting (Anaphylactic Shock)

Risks from Undeclared Egg, Soy, and Milk

Similarly, exposure to undeclared egg, soy, or milk—as seen in the Hillside Orchard and New Grains recalls—carries the same potential for severe reactions. Milk and egg allergies are particularly common in children, making these recalls a significant concern for families. Soy is another of the "Big Nine" major allergens, and its hidden presence can be a serious issue for those relying on clear labeling for dietary management.

Consumer Action Plan: What to Do with Recalled Bread Products

The FDA’s guidance is clear: if you or a family member has an allergy or severe sensitivity to the specific undeclared allergen, you should not consume the product under any circumstances.

Immediate Steps:

1. Verify the Product: Check the brand name (Lewis Bake Shop, Hillside Orchard Farms, New Grains Gluten Free Bakery), the specific product name (Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf, Fruit Breads, Bagels, etc.), and the lot codes against the official FDA recall announcements.
2. Do Not Consume: If the product is on the recall list, immediately dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase (e.g., Walmart, Kroger, Dierbergs Markets) for a full refund.
3. Monitor for Symptoms: If you have consumed the product and experience any signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
4. Contact the Company: For questions regarding the refund process or specific product details, consumers should contact the recalling company directly (Hartford Bakery, Hillside Orchard Farms, or New Grains).

Preventative Measures and Future Outlook for Food Safety

These repeated incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in supply chain management and food labeling accuracy. Regulatory bodies like the FDA are continually working with manufacturers to improve compliance, especially following the implementation of the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act, which added sesame to the list of major food allergens.

For consumers, the best defense against undeclared allergens remains vigilance. Always read the ingredient label, even on products you have purchased routinely, as formulations and packaging can change without notice. The frequency of these recalls, particularly involving major allergens like tree nuts and eggs, underscores the critical need for robust quality control and transparent labeling in the bakery industry. By staying informed on FDA safety alerts and product withdrawal notices, consumers can protect themselves and their families from serious health risks.