Discount supermarket chain Lidl is recalling a batch of specialty cookies distributed to all of its US locations, after federal regulators discovered the packaging failed to list key allergens in English, posing a serious health risk for consumers with sensitivities.
The recall covers Eridanous Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Truffle Coating & Apricot Filling, which were sold across Lidl's American footprint. The Food and Drug Administration reported that the product's packaging is entirely in a foreign language and does not indicate in English that the cookies contain wheat, soy, milk, and eggs.
For individuals with allergies or intolerances to those ingredients, the FDA warned there is “the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.” The agency did not report any confirmed illnesses or adverse events tied to the cookies as of the recall announcement.
The affected cookies were shipped to every Lidl store in the United States, including locations in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. The German-owned chain has been expanding its US presence in recent years, competing with other discount grocers.
This recall is the latest in a string of food safety actions involving undeclared allergens. In recent months, Major Pharmaceuticals recalled a thyroid drug over potency concerns, and Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce as cyclosporiasis cases topped 1,600. Such incidents underscore ongoing challenges in supply chain labeling compliance.
Lidl is advising customers who purchased the recalled cookies to return them to any Lidl store for a full refund. For additional information, consumers can contact the company at (844) 747-5435 during standard business hours.
The recall highlights a recurring issue in the food industry: products imported or distributed with non-English labels that fail to meet US allergen disclosure requirements. The FDA requires that all packaged foods sold in the US list major allergens in English, a rule designed to protect the millions of Americans managing food allergies.
As regulators continue to monitor compliance, the incident serves as a reminder for shoppers to check labels carefully, especially on imported or specialty items. Lidl has not indicated whether it will revise its packaging protocols in response to the recall.
