Chocolate lovers in the U.S. and Canada are being warned to check their candy stash, as Tony's Chocolonely Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of certain chocolate bars due to contamination concerns. The recall affects seven lots of the company's popular Dark Almond Sea Salt Bar and Everything Bar, which may contain small stones, a situation that has raised eyebrows among consumers.
On April 2, 2025, the Amsterdam-based company, which operates offices in New York City, announced the recall after receiving reports of small stones found in the chocolate. These products were distributed nationwide and sold in major retail stores, including Walmart and Target, as well as online through the company’s website, www.tonyschocolonely.com. The distribution of the affected bars began on February 7 and ended on March 24, 2025.
According to the company, the contamination is linked to a failure in the filtration process during the third-party almond harvesting and processing. Despite the alarming reports, Tony's Chocolonely stated that the likelihood of any individual product being affected is low. However, they emphasized their commitment to consumer safety by taking precautionary measures to ensure satisfaction.
In a statement, the company said, "Whilst the chance of any individual product being affected is low, and we have not yet received any complaints in North America, we have decided to take this step in order to ensure the safety and satisfaction of Tony’s Chocolonely consumers in an abundance of caution." This proactive approach highlights their dedication to maintaining trust with their customers.
The recalled products include the Tony's Chocolonely Everything Bar (6.35 oz) with the following lot codes and best-by dates:
- 4327, best by November 22, 2025
- 4330, best by November 25, 2025
- 4331, best by November 26, 2025
- M4331, best by November 26, 2025
Additionally, the Tony's Chocolonely Dark Almond Sea Salt Bar (6.35 oz) has the following lot codes and best-by dates:
- 163094, best by April 2, 2026
- 162634, best by February 28, 2026
- M162634, best by February 28, 2026
In Canada, the recall also affects specific lots of the Dark Almond Sea Salt and Everything bars, identified by lot numbers 162697 and 4332, respectively. Consumers are advised to check the packaging for these identifiers to ensure their safety.
As for what consumers should do if they possess one of the recalled bars, Tony's Chocolonely has urged customers not to consume the products. Instead, they recommend returning them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or replacement. Alternatively, consumers can dispose of the bars. The company has also provided contact information for additional questions, including an email address at [email protected].
Despite the troubling situation, no injuries have been reported related to the contaminated chocolate. The company has reassured its customers that their health and safety are the top priority. The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control in food production, especially in products that are widely consumed.
Tony's Chocolonely has built a reputation for ethical chocolate production, aiming to combat exploitation in the cocoa industry. Founded in the Netherlands, the company has gained popularity for its commitment to fair trade practices and high-quality ingredients. However, this recent incident has raised questions about their production processes, particularly concerning third-party suppliers.
The chocolate industry has faced scrutiny in recent years over issues such as child labor and poor working conditions. Tony's Chocolonely has positioned itself as a leader in addressing these challenges, but this recall highlights the complexities of maintaining quality while sourcing ingredients responsibly.
In light of this recall, consumers are reminded to remain vigilant about the products they purchase and consume. Checking labels for lot codes and expiration dates can help prevent any unfortunate surprises. As the situation develops, Tony's Chocolonely will continue to provide updates to keep its customers informed.
For those who enjoy Tony's Chocolonely products, this recall serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with food production. As the company navigates this challenging situation, its commitment to transparency and consumer safety will be crucial in retaining customer trust.
In conclusion, while the recall has raised concerns, Tony's Chocolonely's proactive response demonstrates their dedication to consumer safety. As they work to resolve this issue, the company remains focused on ensuring the quality and integrity of their products, allowing customers to enjoy their chocolate with peace of mind.
