Hartford Bakery, Inc., a trusted name in baked goods, has announced a voluntary recall of six specific production lots of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” bread. This recall has been issued due to the potential presence of undeclared hazelnuts, which pose a serious risk to individuals with nut allergies or heightened sensitivity to tree nuts.
The affected product, which is packaged in a flexible plastic bag, may cause severe or even life-threatening allergic reactions in consumers who are allergic to hazelnuts. Although the product label carries a general warning that it “may contain tree nuts,” it fails to specifically state that hazelnuts are an ingredient in the affected batches. This oversight has led Hartford Bakery to take swift action to remove the impacted products from the market out of an abundance of caution.
Details of the Recall
The voluntary recall pertains specifically to the following six lot codes:
- T10 174010206
- T10 174010306
- T10 174010406
- T10 174020206
- T10 174020306
- T10 174020406
These lot codes can be found on the front panel of the bread’s packaging. The recalled “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” comes in a 12-ounce (340 grams) package and carries a Universal Product Code (UPC) of 24126018152. Each affected unit is also marked with an expiration date of July 13, 2025, printed on the front panel of the bag.
Approximately 883 loaves from these six lots are involved in the recall. The products were distributed to a range of retail locations across twelve states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi. Among the retail partners that carried the affected products are Kroger and Walmart, both of which have been notified of the issue and are taking the necessary steps to remove the product from shelves.
Discovery of the Issue
According to a statement from Hartford Bakery, the issue was discovered during an internal review process, after a production error led to a mix-up in packaging. A hazelnut-containing variety of bread was mistakenly packaged in bags designated for the company’s standard white “Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” bread. While the standard packaging includes a general allergen advisory stating the product “may contain tree nuts,” it does not meet the regulatory requirement to specifically label the presence of hazelnuts when known to be included.
This labeling discrepancy triggered the recall, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health regulatory bodies mandate that food products containing major allergens—including tree nuts like hazelnuts—must clearly declare them in the ingredient list or allergen statement.
Consumer Impact and Health Risk
To date, no major injuries, hospitalizations, or serious allergic reactions have been reported in connection with the recalled product. However, Hartford Bakery has received at least one report from a consumer who experienced digestive discomfort after consuming the bread. Additional complaints were submitted by customers who noticed the presence of nuts in the product before eating it.
Hazelnuts are a common allergen and can trigger symptoms ranging from mild hives and stomach discomfort to severe reactions like anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Because allergic reactions can be unpredictable and differ in severity, the company urges consumers—especially those with a history of nut allergies—to treat this recall with utmost seriousness.
Company Response and Consumer Action
Hartford Bakery emphasized that the recall is a precautionary measure and that only the six specified lot codes are affected. The company has initiated a thorough investigation into its packaging and production protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. No other products or lot codes are involved in this recall.
“We take the safety and satisfaction of our customers very seriously,” said a company spokesperson. “We are committed to ensuring the highest standards in food safety and quality. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and thank our customers for their understanding and cooperation.”
Consumers who have purchased any of the affected products are advised not to consume them. Instead, they should return the product to the place of purchase to receive a full refund. Proof of purchase is not required to obtain a refund.
For further information or assistance, consumers may contact Hartford Bakery’s Customer Service Team at:
📞 Phone: 1-812-425-4642
🕗 Hours: Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST)
Customers who suspect they may have experienced an allergic reaction after consuming the bread are advised to consult their healthcare provider immediately.
Importance of Allergen Labeling
This recall highlights the critical role of proper food labeling, particularly when it comes to major allergens. In the United States, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that the eight major food allergens—including tree nuts—must be clearly listed on food packaging. Hazelnuts fall under this classification and must be identified by name on any product in which they are present.
Failure to disclose specific allergens can lead to serious public health consequences, as many consumers rely on accurate labeling to avoid ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions. Even a small amount of cross-contact or mislabeling can be dangerous for those with severe food allergies.
Ongoing Safety Measures
In response to this incident, Hartford Bakery has reportedly reviewed its allergen control and labeling procedures across its production lines. The company is collaborating closely with food safety experts and regulators to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines moving forward.
This event serves as a reminder to both manufacturers and consumers about the importance of vigilance in food safety. While companies are expected to maintain rigorous quality control measures, consumers are also encouraged to review labels carefully, especially when purchasing products for individuals with known food allergies.
About Hartford Bakery, Inc.
Hartford Bakery, Inc. is a regional producer of baked goods known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The company offers a variety of artisan breads and baked goods under the Lewis Bake Shop brand, which are widely available at major retail grocery chains across the Midwest and Southern United States.
