FDA warns: Cookies with cancer-linked ingredients pulled from shelves
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The FDA has issued a sweeping recall for cookie products that failed to disclose dangerous allergens and food dyes, raising serious health concerns for consumers.
The recall, announced this week, involves multiple cookie varieties produced by Gina Marie Bakery in Connecticut.
Regulators say the items contain undeclared almonds, sesame, and artificial dyes, including several linked to cancer in animal studies. Officials are urging anyone who purchased the cookies to return them immediately.
The recalled products include Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies, Italian Sesame Cookies, Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies, Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies, Toasted Almond & Cherry Biscotti, and Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam.
The cookies were sold in 1lb and 2lb packages at Stop and Shop, Price Chopper, and select stores under the Nardelli label.
According to the FDA, “People who have allergies to nuts, sesame seeds and/or food dyes run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.” No illnesses have been reported, but the risk of anaphylaxis makes the warning urgent.
Anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction, can cause sudden difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness, often requiring immediate treatment with an epinephrine auto-injector.
Beyond allergies, the dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 3, and Blue 1 are under scrutiny for their potential to cause cancer in humans.
Researchers have also connected these dyes to worsening symptoms of ADHD in children, heightening concerns about their widespread use in food.
The USDA database shows over 36,000 US food products contain Red 40 alone, while more than 8,000 include Red 3.
Federal labeling rules are meant to prevent hidden allergens, but undeclared ingredients can slip into food during cross-contact in manufacturing.
Also read: Your favorite juice might not be safe—more than 22,000 pouches pulled over safety concerns
Regulators have now suspended the sale of the recalled cookies until Gina Marie Bakery and oversight agencies verify that corrective measures are in place.
The issue reflects a broader challenge in food safety, as undeclared allergens remain one of the leading causes of recalls in the United States.
For families managing nut, sesame, or dye allergies, such recalls highlight the constant need for vigilance.
This is not the first recall of 2025 tied to undeclared almonds, with earlier alerts involving Blue Bell Ice Cream and Ice Cream Factory products.
Also read: Costco recalls popular chocolate product—here’s what you need to check
Experts say the growing number of recalls underscores weaknesses in oversight and the importance of transparency in labeling.
With food allergies and sensitivities on the rise in the US, consumers remain at risk whenever labeling errors occur.
Regulators stress that stronger enforcement and more rigorous safeguards are critical to prevent repeat incidents.
Read next: Attention Costco shoppers: This popular product could pose a health concern—here’s what you should know
Do you believe food manufacturers are doing enough to prevent hidden allergens and harmful dyes from reaching store shelves, or should the FDA impose tougher penalties for repeated violations? Share your opinion in the comments and let us know where you stand on food safety accountability.
The recall, announced this week, involves multiple cookie varieties produced by Gina Marie Bakery in Connecticut.
Regulators say the items contain undeclared almonds, sesame, and artificial dyes, including several linked to cancer in animal studies. Officials are urging anyone who purchased the cookies to return them immediately.
The recalled products include Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies, Italian Sesame Cookies, Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies, Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies, Toasted Almond & Cherry Biscotti, and Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam.
The cookies were sold in 1lb and 2lb packages at Stop and Shop, Price Chopper, and select stores under the Nardelli label.
According to the FDA, “People who have allergies to nuts, sesame seeds and/or food dyes run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.” No illnesses have been reported, but the risk of anaphylaxis makes the warning urgent.
Anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction, can cause sudden difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness, often requiring immediate treatment with an epinephrine auto-injector.
Beyond allergies, the dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 3, and Blue 1 are under scrutiny for their potential to cause cancer in humans.
Researchers have also connected these dyes to worsening symptoms of ADHD in children, heightening concerns about their widespread use in food.
The USDA database shows over 36,000 US food products contain Red 40 alone, while more than 8,000 include Red 3.
Federal labeling rules are meant to prevent hidden allergens, but undeclared ingredients can slip into food during cross-contact in manufacturing.
Also read: Your favorite juice might not be safe—more than 22,000 pouches pulled over safety concerns
Regulators have now suspended the sale of the recalled cookies until Gina Marie Bakery and oversight agencies verify that corrective measures are in place.
The issue reflects a broader challenge in food safety, as undeclared allergens remain one of the leading causes of recalls in the United States.
For families managing nut, sesame, or dye allergies, such recalls highlight the constant need for vigilance.
This is not the first recall of 2025 tied to undeclared almonds, with earlier alerts involving Blue Bell Ice Cream and Ice Cream Factory products.
Also read: Costco recalls popular chocolate product—here’s what you need to check
Experts say the growing number of recalls underscores weaknesses in oversight and the importance of transparency in labeling.
With food allergies and sensitivities on the rise in the US, consumers remain at risk whenever labeling errors occur.
Regulators stress that stronger enforcement and more rigorous safeguards are critical to prevent repeat incidents.
Read next: Attention Costco shoppers: This popular product could pose a health concern—here’s what you should know
