RECALL UPDATE: Dessert Recall Sparks Warning to Customers in Two States
According to News Week, Baltimore-based Atwater’s has announced a recall of its popular spider web tarts after discovering that the dessert contains traces of undeclared almond flour. The recall poses a significant risk to consumers with tree nut allergies, prompting the company to take immediate action.
Details of the Recall
The affected tarts were sold at farmers markets on October 19 and 20 in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The dessert is packaged in a clear clam shell plastic container, marked with a green Atwater’s “Spider Web Tart” label on the top. Consumers should look for a Julian date of 292 printed on the bottom of the packaging to identify the recalled items.
The following farmers markets sold the recalled tarts:
- Arlington Courthouse Farmers Market in Arlington, Virginia
- Westover Farmers Market in Arlington, Virginia
- Falls Church Farmers Market in Falls Church, Virginia
- H Street Farmers Market in Washington, D.C.
- Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in Washington, D.C.
- Dupont Circle Farmers Market in Washington, D.C.
- Silver Spring Farmers Market in Silver Spring, Maryland
- Greenbelt Farmers Market in Greenbelt, Maryland
Importantly, Atwater’s has stated that these tarts were not available at their retail locations.
Cause of the Recall
The recall was initiated after it was found that almond-containing products were distributed in packaging lacking proper allergen disclosure. An internal investigation revealed that this issue stemmed from a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and labeling processes.
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Consumer Guidance
Consumers who purchased the affected tarts are urged to contact Atwater’s directly to return the product for a refund. The company can be reached from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, at 410-644-3435. Additionally, recalls can be requested via email at info@atwatersfood.com.
As of now, there have been no reported illnesses related to this recall. Atwater’s is cooperating with regulatory bodies to ensure consumer safety.
Background on Food Recalls
A report published in August by Traceone highlighted that traces of unintended allergens were the most common reason for food recalls from 2020 to 2024. Under federal law, major allergens such as peanuts, wheat, milk, tree nuts, soy, eggs, crustaceans, fish, and sesame must be clearly labeled on food products. The second most frequent cause of recalls is bacterial contamination, including pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, or listeria.
In a Gallup survey conducted from July 1 to 21, it was revealed that 37 percent of Americans had discarded or returned food in the past year due to product recalls or food safety advisories. Moreover, over half of those surveyed reported avoiding specific brands or food types because of recalls or advisories within the same time frame.