Dec 28, 2013: Giant Eagle Inc. Candy Place Chocolate Santas (US)

[GingerPye]

Giant Eagle Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Peanut Allergen In Candy Place Chocolate Santas

Contact
Consumer:
George J. Howe Company
1-800-367-4693

Media:
Dan Donovan
Giant Eagle, Inc.
412.967.4551
media.relations@gianteagle.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 28, 2013 – Candy Place Chocolate Santas packages were voluntarily recalled by Giant Eagle due to an undeclared peanut allergen. While the individual peanut butter filled candies reference "peanut butter", peanuts are not listed as an ingredient on the primary package label, creating the potential for a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if consumed by those with a peanut allergy. The product is safe for consumption by those who do not have a peanut allergy.

The affected product was sold in 11-ounce packages with the UPC code 3003407341, and included chocolate, caramel and peanut butter varieties of chocolate candy. The product was purchased by approximately 1,100 customers in Giant Eagle supermarkets in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Maryland since October 1, 2013.

No illnesses have been reported to date.  Consumers may return affected product to any Giant Eagle supermarket location for a full refund. Those with questions may call George J. Howe Company, the manufacturer, at 1-800-367-4693 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, or may leave a voicemail if calling at other hours.

In addition to this public communication regarding this recall, upon notification by the manufacturer Giant Eagle initiated its consumer recall telephone notification process in conjunction with immediately removing the product from store shelves. The consumer recall process used purchase data and consumer phone numbers housed in the Giant Eagle Advantage Card® database to alert those households that purchased the affected product and have updated telephone contact information in the database.