Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Atwater's Cookie tins recall: Undeclared tree nut allergens, almonds, pecans, and walnuts

Recall published 10 months ago

Undeclared tree nut allergens, almonds, pecans, and walnuts.

Atwater's Bakery — recalled bakeryAtwater's Bakery — recalled bakery (photo 2)
2 photos published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Undeclared peanuts or tree nuts

The product contains peanuts or tree nuts that the packaging never declared. If nobody in your home avoids peanuts or tree nuts, there is no health reason to throw it away — though the refund still stands.

What the notice says: Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.

Why it matters: The label does not declare peanuts or tree nuts, so anyone who reads labels to avoid it has no way of knowing it is in there. For people without that allergy the product is safe to eat.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

An undeclared allergen is a danger only to people allergic or intolerant to that ingredient. For everyone else the food is safe. Reactions range from an itchy mouth, hives, stomach cramps or vomiting through to anaphylaxis — swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, a tight chest, wheezing, a sudden drop in blood pressure or collapse. If anaphylaxis is suspected, use an epinephrine auto-injector straight away and call 911, even if the symptoms seem to settle, because a second wave can follow hours later.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Published
December 22, 2025
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Atwater's
Product type
Bakery
Distribution
Maryland
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products covered by this recall

Cookie tins

What the company announced

Atwater’s of Baltimore, MD, is recalling 197 cookie tins because they contain cookies made with almond, pecan, and walnut allergens. Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.

The product was distributed from 12/13/2025 through 12/22/2025 in Baltimore, Towson, and Catonsville, MD, and it reached consumers through retail stores and was gifted to three wholesalers.

The product comes in a circular metal tin, with a bow tied around it, and an identifying “Atwater’s cookie tin” label on the bottom of the package.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was voluntarily initiated after it was discovered that the product containing almonds, pecans, and walnuts was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the nut allergen. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's labeling process.

Consumers who have purchased cookie tins are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 410-644-3435.

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

What to do about Nuts

Atwater's — The product contains peanuts or tree nuts that the packaging never declared. If nobody in your home avoids peanuts or tree nuts, there is no health reason to throw it away — though the refund still stands.

  1. If anyone in your household avoids peanuts or tree nuts, stop serving the product immediately and check whether any was used in food already prepared.
  2. If a reaction has already happened, report it to the FDA through its consumer complaint coordinator so the case is attached to this recall.
  3. Tell anyone else who eats from your kitchen, including childminders, schools and anyone catering an event you contributed to.
  4. Keep the pack if you want a refund, or photograph the label and the lot code and then bin it. If nobody in the house avoids peanuts or tree nuts, you may simply eat it — the recall is about disclosure, not spoilage.

Getting a refund without the pack

The commonest reason people skip the refund is that they have already thrown the item away. That rarely matters.

  • A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.
  • Store credit is often offered first. You can ask for the original payment method instead, and it is normally granted.
  • No photo either? Ask anyway. Grocery chains settle recall refunds at the service desk because disputing them costs more than paying them.
  • For a multi-pack or a case, ask for the full purchase price rather than a per-unit figure — the recall covers what you paid.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers who have purchased cookie tins are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: Atwater's — Consumers: 410-644-3435

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Atwater's bakery recalled?

Undeclared tree nut allergens, almonds, pecans, and walnuts. Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official FDA — Company recall announcements record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

If anyone in your household avoids peanuts or tree nuts, stop serving the product immediately and check whether any was used in food already prepared.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers who have purchased cookie tins are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Maryland.

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