Trophy Nut Recall: 143 Cases of Heinen’s Peanuts May Contain Undeclared Cashews

Trophy Nut Company has recalled 143 cases of Heinen’s Honey Roasted Peanuts after a consumer suffered an allergic reaction. The 8.25-ounce cans may contain cashews that aren’t listed on the label. This poses a serious risk to people with cashew allergies who could face life-threatening reactions if they eat the product.

The affected peanuts were sold between October 24, 2024, and April 4, 2025, at Heinen’s Grocery stores in Ohio and Illinois. Look for “best if used by” date of October 1, 2025, or “best by” date of October 3, 2025, stamped on the bottom of the can. The product’s UPC code is 20601401877 on the label.

Undeclared allergens are a significant concern in food safety. For people with food allergies, even tiny amounts of an allergen can trigger severe reactions. These reactions range from hives and itching to potentially deadly anaphylaxis that requires immediate medical attention.

Many consumers don’t realize that peanuts and cashews are entirely different types of foods. Peanuts grow underground and are actually legumes, while cashews grow on trees and are classified as tree nuts. Someone might be allergic to cashews but not peanuts, making accurate labels essential for safety.

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product,” Trophy Nut Company stated in their recall notice.

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The company launched this voluntary recall after receiving a complaint from a consumer who experienced an allergic reaction. Their investigation revealed a “temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes” led to cashews being mixed with the honey roasted peanuts. Only one allergic reaction has been reported so far.

This incident highlights how manufacturing errors can create serious health risks. Cross-contamination often happens when different products share production lines or equipment without proper cleaning between runs.

If you bought these peanuts, stop eating them immediately. You can return them to any Heinen’s store for a full refund or simply throw them away. Anyone with questions should call Trophy Nut’s Customer Service at 1-800-729-6887 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST. You can also email them at [email protected].

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires food companies to clearly identify major allergens on product labels. Tree nuts like cashews are among the nine major allergens that must be declared. Sesame was added as the ninth major allergen in 2023, joining milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

Despite strict regulations, allergen-related problems continue to plague the food industry. Many companies implement preventive measures like dedicated production lines, thorough cleaning protocols, and employee training. However, human error and equipment failures still occur.

A food recall brings significant costs beyond consumer safety concerns. Companies face expenses for product retrieval, disposal, and potential regulatory fines. They also risk long-term damage to their reputation and consumer trust. For smaller producers like Trophy Nut Company, the financial impact can be substantial.

The company’s willingness to issue a prompt recall demonstrates awareness of the serious risks undeclared allergens pose. While the breakdown in their production process raises questions about quality control, their response shows an appropriate level of concern for consumer safety.

For people with food allergies, this recall serves as yet another reminder of the vigilance required when purchasing packaged foods. Even products bought regularly can suddenly become dangerous if manufacturing processes change or errors occur. The single reported allergic reaction in this case was fortunate to be non-fatal, but allergen exposures can have serious consequences.