Vegan Chocolates Sold At T.J. Maxx, Several Other Stores Recalled; Illness Reported

Vegan chocolate products are being recalled because they contain undeclared milk. The products were sold at TJX retail stores nationwide, including T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.

TJX Companies is recalling three vegan chocolate products after discovering that the products marked "dairy-free" actually contain milk, according to the company announcement posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. This means that someone allergic to milk may experience a serious or even potentially "life-threatening" allergic reaction if they consume any of the affected products. Upon investigation, it was found that the issue was caused by a "manufacturing error" at the supplier's facility.

"As a result, TJX is recalling all items for sale in our stores that were manufactured in this facility," the company noted.

The recall affects all product codes of the 3.88-ounce "Pimlico Confectioners Vegan Fine Hazelnut Truffles," 4.93-ounce "Keats London Vegan Hazelnut Dark Chocolate" and 4.93-ounce "Keats London Vegan Irish Cream Truffles." These were sold at TJX stores nationwide, including T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra and Homesense.

It is estimated that about 2 to 3% of children below the age of 3 are actually allergic to milk, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI). While many can outgrow the allergy as they grow older, some don't. And it can cause symptoms such as hives, vomiting, bloody stools and an upset stomach. Although rare, it may also cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can send the body into shock.

To ensure their safety, anyone with a milk allergy should avoid milk and products that contain milk and milk protein. Although cow milk is often the culprit behind a milk allergy, milk from other mammals such as buffalo, goat and sheep may also cause a reaction.

In the case of the current recall, one illness linked to the products has been reported.

Those who may have bought an affected product are being advised to take the items back to the store to get a refund. The company has also provided the contact number that customers may call regarding the refund.