A bakery mix-up has sparked a major recall after hidden hazelnuts were found in bread sold across the US grocery stores. 

The officials issued an alert after Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style half-loaf bread based in Indiana, was found to contain undeclared hazelnuts. 

Hazelnuts are a common allergen that can trigger severe, sometimes life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis in people with nut allergies. 

The loaves were sold in 12 states at popular retailers, such as Walmart, Kroger, Mariano's, Pick 'n Save, and Metro Market stores. 

Roughly 883 mislabeled loaves were distributed to more than 2,500 stores in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi.

The contaminated bread is sold in 12-ounce clear plastic bags with a July 13, 2025, expiration date printed on the front with a UPC code 24126018152 printed on the bottom of the packaging.

The six affected lot codes are T10 174010206, T10 174010306, T10 174010406, T10 174020206, T10 174020306, and T10 174020406. All were distributed earlier this month. 

Kroger stated in a press release: 'It may result in severe reaction if consumed by individuals allergic to tree nuts.' 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, tree nut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in the US, covering nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, cashews, and Brazil nuts.

A recent study suggests that tree nut allergy impacts approximately three million Americans, representing a significant health concern. 

Symptoms can range from mild, like hives and swelling, to severe, and in some cases, even fatal reactions. 

The manufacturer, Hartford Bakery Inc, says the wrong packaging was used during a production changeover, letting nut-containing bread ship out without proper warnings.

Symptoms can range from mild, like hives and swelling, to severe, and in some cases, even fatal reactions.

While the label included a general 'May Contain Tree Nuts' warning, it did not clearly state hazelnuts were inside of bread.

Kroger states: 'It may result in severe reaction if consumed by individuals allergic to tree nuts.' 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did an investigation and found out that a packaging error during a production changeover caused hazelnut-containing bread to be mislabeled as white bread.

According to the company, no major reports of injury or illness to date. 

FDA states that one of the customer reported digestive issues after eating it, and several others contacted the company after spotting visible hazelnuts in their loaf.

Consumers who bought the affected bread are urged to take it back to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.  

Customers with questions can contact the company at 1-812-425-4642, Monday through Friday.

The FDA is monitoring the situation, and Hartford says it's reviewing internal protocols and retraining staff to avoid future mix-ups. 

This marks the second bread recall in 2025. In April, Maryland-based Upper Crust Bakery pulled several loaves from shelves in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Indiana, and West Virginia after a piece of glass was found on top of seeded bread. 

The fragment was traced back to sunflower seeds from a supplier.

That recall, involving three multigrain sourdough varieties sold at Giant Eagle stores, was classified as Class II by the FDA, indicating the product could cause temporary or medically reversible harm. 

While no injuries were officially reported, the contaminated bread posed a serious risk, with officials warning the shards could slice a person's throat or digestive tract if consumed.