At a Glance
- The FDA has upgraded a recall of 308 cases of frozen cookie dough to Class I, the highest risk level, after discovering potential peanut contamination.
- The affected product, a 2-pound 8.5-ounce bag of White Chocolate Macadamia Nut flavored dough, may have been filled with Monster Cookies dough that contains peanuts.
- The recalled cases were sold in grocery stores across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.
- Why it matters: Peanut-allergic consumers face serious or life-threatening reactions if they ingest the mislabeled dough.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken the most stringent action against a batch of frozen cookie dough that could endanger consumers with peanut allergies. In a December announcement, the agency upgraded 308 cases of the product to Class I, the highest risk classification, after discovering that the dough might contain peanuts despite not being labeled as such.
How the Recall Came About
The original recall began in December when Gregory’s Foods of Eagan, Minn. issued a warning for its “Bag Full of Cookies” product. The 2-pound 8.5-ounce bag of White Chocolate Macadamia Nut flavored dough was found to have been accidentally filled with Monster Cookies flavored dough, which includes peanuts.
> “People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the FDA said in its announcement.
The error was traced to a single day of production, meaning the contamination was limited to a narrow window. Each of the 308 affected cases contains six bags of dough, all stamped with a best-by date of Dec. 6, 2026.
What the Products Look Like
The Monster Cookies flavor is easily identifiable by its visible chocolate chips and colored candy-coated pieces. In contrast, the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut dough lacks these markers, but the dough itself can be seen through a clear window in the bag.
Because the two flavors are visually distinct, the mistake was not immediately obvious to consumers or distributors.
Distribution Reach
The recalled cases were shipped to retail grocery stores in three states:
| State | Number of Retailers Affected |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | 45 |
| Wisconsin | 32 |
| Nebraska | 27 |
No illnesses have been reported to date, but the FDA urges anyone who purchased the product to return it for a full refund.
Steps for Consumers
- Check the label: Look for the clear window and confirm the flavor description.
- Verify the best-by date: All affected cases have a best-by of Dec. 6, 2026.
- Return for refund: Bring the product to the place of purchase; no proof of purchase is required.
Why the FDA’s Class I Upgrade Matters
Class I recalls are reserved for products that pose a significant risk of serious health consequences or death. By moving the cookie dough recall to this category, the FDA signals the seriousness of the potential peanut contamination and ensures that the recall is handled with maximum urgency.
The upgrade also triggers additional regulatory requirements, such as:
- Immediate notification of all affected retailers.
- Public announcements across multiple media channels.
- Enhanced monitoring of distribution channels to prevent further spread.
Company Response
Gregory’s Foods has issued a statement confirming the recall and thanking the FDA for its swift action. The company is working with distributors to remove the affected cases from shelves and to provide refunds to consumers.
Bottom Line
Consumers with peanut allergies should remain vigilant when purchasing frozen cookie dough. The FDA’s Class I recall of 308 cases underscores the importance of accurate labeling and quality control in the food industry.
The recall is a reminder that even a single production error can have serious health implications. By acting quickly and transparently, the FDA and Gregory’s Foods aim to protect public health and maintain consumer trust.
