Check Your Halloween Candy for These Recalled Chocolate Treats

Halloween is still a few weeks away, but it might be worth taking an early peek at your candy stash.

Crystal Temptations has recalled five packages of its Chocolatey Eyeballs after learning that milk wasn't included in the allergen information.

This Halloween candy recall includes products that made their way to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra. They were sold in 13 different states.

Here's how to tell if one of those bags of eyeballs is staring back at you from the pantry.

Five Packages of Chocolatey Eyeballs Are Affected

Thankfully, we don't have to decipher a long list of expiration dates or lot codes for this one.

The FDA notice gives us five style numbers to look for in the Chocolatey Eyeballs recall:

• 54040-CHEY: 10 ounces

• 54077-CHEY: 7 ounces

• 58008-CHEY: 10.5 ounces

• 58089-CHEY: 16 ounces

• 54083-CHEY: 11 ounces

No other Crystal Temptations products are part of the recall.

So, if you bought some spooky sweets early, start with the name and style number, rather than turning the entire candy cabinet upside down.

Check Candy From TJ Maxx and Its Sister Stores

The recalled Halloween candy was available at four retailers owned by TJX:

• TJ Maxx

• Marshalls

• HomeGoods

• Sierra

The packages made their way to 13 states:

• Arizona

• California

• Connecticut

• Georgia

• Indiana

• Massachusetts

• Nevada

• New Jersey

• North Carolina

• Ohio

• Texas

• Virginia

• Wyoming

If your store or state don’t appear on these lists, this particular recall shouldn't involve your candy, but it’s still worth a check. 

The Problem Is on the Allergen Label

So, what's wrong with the eyeballs? They contain whey, an ingredient made from milk, but shoppers wouldn't know that from the allergen information on the package.

Undeclared milk creates a risk for people with a milk allergy or severe sensitivity. The FDA lists milk among the nine major food allergens that must be identified on packaged foods. 

Food-allergy reactions can range from relatively mild symptoms to anaphylaxis. No illnesses were reported when Crystal Temptations announced the recall.

Don't Take These Eyeballs Back to the Store

There's an unusual wrinkle in this Crystal Temptations recall. Instead of bringing the candy back to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, or Sierra, Crystal Temptations is asking people to destroy the affected product.

If you want your money back, you'll need proof that you bought it and will have to request a refund from Crystal Temptations, rather than the store.

The company's phone number is 201-246-7990, and calls are accepted on weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm ET.

Give the Candy Stash an Early Inspection

Buying Halloween candy ahead of time is supposed to save us an errand when October gets busy. This year, it may also give us time to catch these Chocolatey Eyeballs before they reach the candy bowl.

Be sure to check the style number, set aside any recalled packages, and leave the eyeballs to do the staring. Then, we can get back to the more enjoyable task of filling the Halloween bowl.

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