In a recent announcement that has raised eyebrows among chocolate lovers, Tony's Chocolonely Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of specific batches of its popular chocolate bars due to concerns over potential contamination. The recall, which affects the Tony's Chocolonely Dark Almond Sea Salt and Everything bars, comes after consumers reported finding "small stones" in the products. The company, known for its commitment to ethical chocolate production, made the announcement on April 1, 2025, via its website.
The affected chocolate bars were sold at major retailers like Walmart and Target across the U.S. and Canada, making this a significant recall for the brand. According to the company, the bars in question were distributed between February 7 and March 24, 2025, and no injuries have been reported as a result of this issue. The small stones were attributed to a failure in the almond processing stage, where they were "not filtered during third-party almond harvesting and the almond processing process," the company stated.
Consumers are urged to check their pantry for the recalled items, which can be identified by the lot codes printed on the side of the wrappers. The specific lot codes for the Everything Bar (6.35 oz) are as follows: 4327 (Best by November 22, 2025), 4330 (Best by November 25, 2025), 4331 (Best by November 26, 2025), and M4331 (Best by November 26, 2025). For the Dark Almond Sea Salt (6.35 oz), the affected lot codes include 163094 (Best by April 2, 2026), 162634 (Best by February 28, 2026), and M162634 (Best by February 28, 2026).
In light of the recall, Tony's Chocolonely has advised customers to return the products to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or replacement. For those who bought the bars online, refunds can be requested through the company’s website. The company expressed its regret over the situation, stating, "We are extremely sorry to have to issue this recall, and for the inconvenience that this will cause people who purchased these products." They further emphasized their dedication to consumer safety, saying, "Whilst the probability of a product being affected is low, we always put the safety and satisfaction of our consumers first."
The recall comes on the heels of another concerning incident involving the brand. Just days prior, Tony's Chocolonely recalled its 242g Hollow Easter Egg products due to fears they might contain metal fragments. This recall also prompted the company to assure customers that the source of the issue had been identified and resolved. Customers were similarly advised not to consume the affected Easter eggs and to return them for a refund.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also issued alerts regarding the chocolate bars, advising consumers not to eat the recalled products. They recommend returning any affected items to the store of purchase for a refund or replacement. The FSA's involvement highlights the seriousness of food safety regulations and the importance of consumer awareness in cases of product recalls.
In an era where food safety is paramount, such recalls are not uncommon. Just recently, shoppers were warned about a vegetable lasagna sold at Iceland that could potentially contain plastic, showcasing the ongoing vigilance required from both consumers and manufacturers. The FSA's notice serves to remind consumers to be proactive about checking for recalls and to stay informed about the products they purchase.
As consumers navigate the aftermath of these recalls, it's crucial to remain vigilant. Tony's Chocolonely has reassured its customers that all other products remain safe for consumption, and it continues to work closely with retailers and food authorities to ensure the removal of impacted products from sale and distribution.
In the broader context of food recalls, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control in food production. With companies like Tony's Chocolonely prioritizing ethical sourcing and consumer safety, the hope is that such issues will be minimized in the future. Nevertheless, the responsibility also lies with consumers to remain informed and cautious about the products they buy.
For any further questions regarding the recall, customers can contact Tony's Chocolonely by emailing [email protected] or calling their help line at 503-388-5990. Staying connected with the manufacturer can provide consumers with peace of mind and ensure they are up to date on any new developments related to their products.
