Costco recalls mini beignets in NY, 23 other states over undeclared hazelnut allergen

Costco Wholesale has issued a recall for mini beignets sold in 24 states after discovering the products were mislabeled for allergens, according to a company notice sent to customers.

Costco, with eight locations on Long Island, notified customers on Thursday that its mini beignets with caramel were “inadvertently” packaged with a similar product containing chocolate hazelnut. The label does not disclose the presence of tree nuts, including hazelnut, posing a risk to customers with allergies.

Costco’s Long Island stores are in Melville, Commack, Westbury, Nesconset, Oceanside, Holbrook, Lawrence and Riverhead, according to the company’s website.

“If you are allergic to hazelnuts/filberts, do not consume this product,” the company said in the notice.

The affected items were distributed to stores between Jan. 16 and 30. Customers are encouraged to return the product to their local Costco for a full refund.

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts/filberts run the risk of severe life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product,” the notice said.

The mislabeled products were distributed to stores in New York, New Jersey, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Undeclared allergens are the leading cause of food recalls in the United States, according to Food Allergy Research & Education, a Virginia-based nonprofit that promotes food allergy safety and education.

Consumers who believe a food product was mislabeled should keep the packaging, take photos, contact the manufacturer and file a complaint with the Food and Drug Administration, according to the organization.