On January 23, 2023, Corim Industries amended language in its announcement regarding the voluntary recall of several peanut butter hot chocolate products due to undeclared peanut allergen.
Originally issued on January 18, 2023, the press release has now been updated to clarify single unit serving sizes are “single serve coffee pods.”
Inadequate labeling on the affected products pose a risk to people with allergies or heightened sensitivities to peanuts, who could suffer a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume them.
The recall was put into motion after officials learned a replacement flavoring ingredient sourced from a different supplier may potentially contain traces of peanut that was not disclosed on the bulk label, and therefore not declared on finished-product labels. An internal investigation revealed that a disruption in the company’s supplier documentation process led to the problem.
Even as Corim’s own testing showed peanut levels to be “below the limit of detection,” multiple peanut butter hot chocolate products under the brand names Cocoa de Aroma, Smart Sips, Jersey Charm, and Colonial Coffee that come in pack sizes of 24-count and 12-count single serve coffee pods were recalled. Distributed to select U.S. resellers during the January 11, 2021 to November 30, 2022 period, only products with printed Best-By dates between January 11, 2023 and January 11, 2025 are affected; that date can be found on the bottom of each carton.
| Brand Name | Pack Size | Lot Numbers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa de Aroma | 24 ct single serve coffee pods assorted (12.7 oz carton containing Peanut Butter flavor 0.52 oz single serve coffee pods) | All lots with Best By dates between January 11, 2023 and January 11, 2025 | |
| Smart Sips | 24 ct single serve coffee pods (12.7 oz carton) | All lots with Best By dates between January 11, 2023 and January 11, 2025 | |
| Jersey Charm | 24 ct single serve coffee pods (12.7 oz carton) | All lots with Best By dates between January 11, 2023 and January 11, 2025 | |
| Colonial Coffee | 12 ct single serve coffee pods (4.44 oz carton) | All lots with Best By dates between January 11, 2023 and January 11, 2025 |
Since the recall, Corim said it has corrected its process, established new safeguards, and made a number of “corrective actions” that included discontinuing the particular ingredient at issue.
Anyone with a peanut allergy or sensitivity who has an affected product is instructed to not consume it. Consumers have the option of discarding the product or returning it to the place of purchase to receive a complete refund.
The FDA continues to monitor this recall.
If you have experienced a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction after consuming a food product with an undeclared allergen, you may be owed significant compensation. Our compassionate attorneys at TruLaw would like to learn about your case and help you understand all your legal options. To get started, contact us or try out our Instant Case Evaluation ℠.