Jody’s Inc. has voluntarily recalled one of its popcorn products, warning that people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts could be facing a life-threatening risk.
“This was an isolated incident that affected a small portion of the production run,” Jody Wagner, the company’s president, told Newsweek. “Although this only affects a small subset of the lot, we are recalling the entirety of the lot in an abundance of caution.”
Why It Matters
Food recalls involving undeclared allergens pose a serious risk to millions of Americans with food allergies.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified peanuts as one of the nine major food allergens—the others being milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. These allergens are capable of causing severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Undeclared allergens in everyday snack products, such as popcorn, can unintentionally expose consumers to these dangers—especially as packaged snacks are often shared in public and private settings.
What To Know
Jody’s Inc. issued a nationwide recall of Cabot Creamery Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar Popcorn on Friday because of the presence of undeclared peanuts.
The recall affects 6-ounce (170g) bags marked with the lot number 2519907B1 and a “Best If Enjoyed By” date of July 15, 2026. The affected product bears UPC 8 50016 95530 6 and was distributed across the United States.
The recall process began after the Farmer Companies Inc. notified Jody’s of two customer complaints about discovering peanuts inside the popcorn bags—even though peanuts were not declared on the label.
No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date, but the company and the FDA stress that the recall is a precautionary measure to prevent any possible health risks.
The popcorn was distributed on July 23 from Norfolk, Virginia, to a warehouse in Illinois.
From there, it was shipped to distribution centers in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon and Texas, then to retail shelves around the country. The FDA published details of the recall on its public database, classifying undeclared peanuts as a threat to life for allergic consumers.
What People Are Saying
Jody Wagner, the president of Jody’s Inc., told Newsweek: “This was an isolated incident that affected a small portion of the production run. Although this only affects a small subset of the lot, we are recalling the entirety of the lot in an abundance of caution.
“Jody’s Popcorn takes food safety very seriously. We are working together with the customer and the FDA on this matter to remove the product from store shelves as soon as possible.
“Customers that have purchased bags are encouraged to return them to the retailer for a full refund.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on its website: “People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to. The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food.”
What Happens Next
Jody’s Inc. continues to work with the FDA and retail partners to ensure all affected Cabot Creamery Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar Popcorn is removed from store shelves and consumer pantries. No explanation for the cross-contamination has been provided, and an investigation into the source is ongoing.
Consumers who find the recalled popcorn in their possession are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or safely dispose of it.
