Chocolate Producer in Bavaria Issues Recall Due to Lack of Essential Information on Product Packaging
The Belgian chocolate manufacturer, Neuhaus NV, has voluntarily initiated a recall of its product "Belgian Chocolate Moments Smurfs (Smurf Pralines) - Popping Milk Chocolates with Cookies" due to undeclared wheat (gluten) on the packaging. This poses a risk to people with wheat allergies or severe sensitivities [1][3].
The recall was prompted by an internal error in Neuhaus NV's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that omitted wheat as an allergen on the label [1]. The affected product was sold between July 21, 2025, and August 4, 2025, in Neuhaus stores located in New York, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and via Neuhaus's webshop [1].
Only about 150 units were sold due to the short sale period. As of the latest update, no complaints or allergic reactions have been reported [1]. Consumers with wheat (gluten) allergies or intolerance are advised not to consume the product and should return it to the place of purchase for a refund [1].
Neuhaus NV recommends that people allergic or intolerant to wheat (gluten) do not consume this product and return it to the point of sale, even if the product has already been purchased [1]. The company can be reached at +32 2 568 23 00 for consumers or via media contact Kobe Van Looy at +32 471 904 805 / [email protected] [3].
It is important for individuals with a wheat or gluten allergy to check the labels of all food products carefully before consumption. The label of the recalled product did not fully list the contained wheat [2].
The recall does not affect all products from Neuhaus NV. The recalled product is safe for consumption for individuals who do not have a wheat or gluten allergy.
[1] Neuhaus NV Recall Notice: Belgian Chocolate Moments Smurfs (Smurf Pralines) - Popping Milk Chocolates with Cookies (https://www.neuhaus.be/en/news/recall-notice-belgian-chocolate-moments-smurfs-smurf-pralines-popping-milk-chocolates-with-cookies/)
[2] Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE): Checking Food Labels (https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/checking-food-labels)
[3] Neuhaus NV Media Contact: Kobe Van Looy (https://www.neuhaus.be/en/media-center/)
- Despite the recall of their 'Belgian Chocolate Moments Smurfs' due to undeclared wheat, Neuhaus NV assures that their other products are safe for consumption for individuals who do not have a wheat or gluten allergy.
- The health and wellness community should emphasize the importance of checking food labels, as seen in the case of the recalled 'Belgian Chocolate Moments Smurfs' which did not fully list the contained wheat.
- To maintain a balanced lifestyle and ensure dietary needs are met, one should consider factors like nutrition, fitness, and food and drink choices, while also being vigilant about food allergies and intolerances, as demonstrated by the recent 'Belgian Chocolate Moments Smurfs' recall.
