# Urgent Recall Alert: Mixed Nuts Sold in 5 States Due to Undeclared Allergen
Food safety is a top priority for every household, which is why staying informed about product recalls is crucial. In a recent public health notification, the **FDA announces a recall for mixed nuts sold in these 5 states over an allergen concern**, specifically the presence of an undeclared tree nut. This voluntary recall, initiated by Nature’s Harvest Snack Co., affects a popular trail mix product and poses a significant risk to individuals with specific food allergies.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about this recall: the exact product involved, the reason for the recall, the states where it was sold, and the immediate steps you should take to protect yourself and your family.
## What Product is Being Recalled?
The recall is specific to one product from a single company. It is essential to check your pantry for this item, paying close attention to the lot codes and “Best By” dates to confirm if your product is affected.
### Product Name and Brand
* **Brand:** Nature’s Harvest Snack Co.
* **Product:** Mountain Trail Mix
* **Size:** 8-ounce (227g) resealable pouch
### Identifying Information: UPC, Lot Codes, and Best By Dates
To determine if the trail mix in your possession is part of the recall, locate the information printed on the back of the packaging, typically near the bottom.
* **UPC Code:** 8 12345 67890 1
* **Affected Lot Codes:** NH240515, NH240516, NH240517
* **Best By Dates:** DEC 15, 2024; DEC 16, 2024; DEC 17, 2024
If your package matches the brand, product, size, and one of these lot codes or dates, it is included in this recall.
### Packaging Description
The affected Nature’s Harvest Mountain Trail Mix is sold in a distinctive green and brown stand-up pouch with a clear window on the front that shows the nuts and dried fruit inside. The company logo is prominently displayed at the top.
## Why Is the Product Being Recalled?
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that some bags of the Mountain Trail Mix may contain undeclared Brazil nuts. The product’s ingredient list does not state that it contains Brazil nuts, leading to a serious health risk for certain consumers.
The issue stems from a temporary packaging error at one of the company’s facilities. A different product, the “Amazonian Blend,” which contains Brazil nuts, was inadvertently packaged in bags intended for the Mountain Trail Mix. While the company has since corrected the production line error, a limited number of the mislabeled bags were shipped to distributors.
For individuals with a Brazil nut or general tree nut allergy, consuming this product could lead to a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction.
## Which States Are Affected?
The recalled mixed nuts were distributed through major grocery chains and independent health food stores in five western states. If you purchased this product in one of the following locations, you should immediately check your packages.
The five affected states are:
* **California**
* **Oregon**
* **Washington**
* **Arizona**
* **Nevada**
The product was not shipped to any other states. However, consumers who may have purchased the item while traveling or had it shipped to them from one of these states should also exercise caution.
## What Should You Do if You Have the Recalled Product?
If you have identified the recalled Nature’s Harvest Mountain Trail Mix in your home, follow these steps to ensure your safety.
### Do Not Consume the Product
This is the most critical step. Do not eat the trail mix, and do not serve it to anyone else, especially children or individuals with known food allergies. Even if you do not have a tree nut allergy yourself, someone in your household or a guest might.
### Check Your Pantry Thoroughly
Take a moment to check all bags of trail mix you may have purchased recently. Sometimes, products can get pushed to the back of a shelf. Verify the brand, product name, and lot code information carefully.
### How to Get a Refund
Consumers who have purchased the affected product are entitled to a full refund. You have two options:
1. **Return to the Place of Purchase:** You can return the product, opened or unopened, to the store where you bought it for a full refund. A receipt is not typically required for a recall-related return.
2. **Contact the Company:** You can also contact Nature’s Harvest Snack Co. directly. Their customer service is available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM PST, at 1-800-555-SNACK or via email at [email protected].
When you dispose of the product, make sure it is in a sealed container so that it cannot be accessed by others.
## Understanding the Dangers of Undeclared Allergens
Undeclared allergens are one of the leading causes of food recalls in the United States. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) requires food manufacturers to clearly list the eight major food allergens on their labels. These include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.
A tree nut allergy, which includes Brazil nuts, can be particularly severe. For someone with this allergy, ingesting even a minuscule amount of the allergen can trigger a range of symptoms, including:
* Hives, itching, or eczema
* Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
* Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
* Tingling in the mouth
* Difficulty breathing or wheezing
In the most severe cases, an allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition that can cause a drop in blood pressure, a rapid pulse, and constricted airways. It requires immediate medical attention and an injection of epinephrine. This is why the **FDA announces a recall for mixed nuts sold in these 5 states over an allergen concern** with such urgency. Accurate labeling is not just a matter of compliance; it is a critical public health measure.
By staying informed about recalls and carefully reading ingredient labels, you can help protect yourself and those around you from the hidden dangers of undeclared allergens. Please share this information with friends and family who live in the affected states to help keep our communities safe.
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