The recall of a mislabeled nut product distributed in two U.S. states has been updated by the Food and Drug Administration as Class I, the most serious FDA classification, due to the risk of severe and potentially deadly allergic reactions in some consumers.

Trophy Nut Company of Tipp City, Ohio, initiated a voluntary recall on April 5, 2025, after discovering that packages labeled “Heinen’s Honey Roasted Peanuts” may actually contain cashews.

Newsweek has contacted Trophy Nut Company out of regular working hours via email for comment.

Why It Matters

The mislabeling of allergens is a leading cause of food recalls in the U.S. For individuals with cashew allergies, the unintentional ingestion of even small amounts can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. Because the recalled product is labeled only as containing peanuts, allergic consumers may not be aware of the presence of cashews.

What To Know

The FDA classified the recall as Class I on May 5, 2025. A Class I recall determines the recall as a “situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The affected product, “Heinen’s Honey Roasted Peanuts,” was packaged in 8.25-ounce composite cans with plastic lids.

The recalled lots are marked with a “best if used by date” of October 1, 2025, and a “best by” date of October 3, 2025, and carry the UPC 020601401877.

Distributed by Heinen’s, Inc. of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, the product was shipped to Heinen’s Grocery stores in both Ohio and Illinois between October 24, 2024 to April 4, 2025, according to the company announcement about the recall in April.

In total, 143 cases of the product were included in the recall. Each case contains 12 cans.

There had been one consumer complaint of an allergic reaction reported due to this problem, according to the Trophy Nut Company. It is not clear if any additional complaints have since been made.

It is thought that the problem was caused by “a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes” following an investigation, the company shared in its announcement.

What People Are Saying

The FDA, in part, on its website: “Food allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms involving hives and lip swelling to severe, life-threatening symptoms, often called anaphylaxis, that may involve fatal respiratory problems and shock. While promising prevention and therapeutic strategies are being developed, food allergies currently cannot be cured. Early recognition and learning how to manage food allergies, including which foods to avoid, are important measures to prevent serious health consequences.

“To protect those with food allergies and other food hypersensitivities, the FDA enforces regulations requiring companies to list ingredients on packaged foods and beverages. For certain foods or substances that cause allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions, there are more specific labeling requirements.”

What Happens Next

The recall remains ongoing, according to the FDA report. Consumers who have purchased the product can return them to a local Heinen’s Grocery store for a full refund. Those who have any questions may contact Trophy Nut’s Customer Service at 1-800-729-6887 from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET or email the company at [email protected].