Karmactive Staff
Gina Marie Bakery of Waterbury, Connecticut has recalled six varieties of cookies that could trigger severe allergic reactions in some people. The FDA announced the voluntary recall on September 10, 2025, warning that the cookies contain unlisted almonds, sesame, and artificial food dyes that pose serious health risks.
“People who have allergies to nuts, sesame seeds and/or food dyes run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the FDA stated in its recall notice.
What Products Are Affected
The recall covers these six cookie varieties sold in clear plastic clamshell containers:
- Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies (containing undeclared almonds, sesame, Red 40, Red 3, and Blue 1)
- Italian Sesame Cookies (containing undeclared Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6)
- Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies (containing undeclared Red 40)
- Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies (containing undeclared Red 40 and Yellow 6)
- Toasted Almond & Cherry Biscotti (containing undeclared Red 40)
- Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam (containing undeclared Red 3 and Blue 1)
Most products come in 1-pound packages, with Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies also available in 2-pound containers.
Where These Cookies Were Sold
The cookies were distributed widely across Connecticut and in Springfield, Massachusetts. Major retailers carrying the products include Big Y, Stop & Shop, and Price Chopper stores. Additionally, the cookies were sold at all Nardelli’s locations in Connecticut with a Nardelli’s label on the packaging.
More than 25 independent grocers also carried the cookies, including LaBonne’s Markets, Adams Hometown Markets, Highland Park Markets, and various specialty food stores throughout Connecticut.
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Why This Recall Matters
Tree nuts (including almonds) and sesame are among the nine major food allergens that must be declared on food labels under U.S. law. The artificial food dyes in the cookies can also trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, director of New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, noted the seriousness of food allergies: “Every three minutes in the United States, someone ends up in an emergency room because of an allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of food.”
He added that anaphylaxis rates have “skyrocketed” in recent decades, with a “300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods” in the U.S.
What Consumers Should Do
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Food and Standards Division advises that no illnesses have been reported so far in connection with these products. However, consumers who purchased any of the recalled cookies should:
- Not eat the cookies
- Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund
- Contact Gina Marie Bakery at 203-596-8007 (ext. 101) with any questions
The company has suspended sales of these products until the labeling issues are corrected with Consumer Protection authorities.
Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to life-threatening complications including anaphylaxis, which can cause fatal respiratory problems without prompt treatment.
The FDA reminds consumers that “people with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to,” as required by law for all major food allergens.
