US FDA Recalls Popular Gina Marie Cookies Over Undeclared Allergens & Dyes

Washington/USA, September 12, 2025: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall of multiple cookie varieties produced by Gina Marie Bakery in Waterbury, Connecticut, after discovering undeclared allergens and food dyes in their products.

The FDA warned that these cookies pose a life-threatening risk to people with nut and seed allergies.

Products Recalled and Why

By law (FD&C Act, section 403(w)(1)), major food allergens must be declared in the ingredient list or in a “Contains” statement right after it. If both are used, the “Contains” statement must list all allergens in the product, even if they already appear in the ingredient list.

For people who are sensitive, allergic reactions can happen within minutes or hours, ranging from mild to life-threatening. In the U.S., the nine leading food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame called Big 9.

Both the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the FDA require that all ingredients be fully listed on food labels to protect consumers.

According to the FDA, some cookies contained allergens like almonds and sesame that were not declared on the packaging.

The recall includes several cookie varieties, such as Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies, Italian Sesame Cookies, Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies, Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies, Toasted Almond & Cherry Biscotti, and Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam.

While no illnesses have been reported so far, the agency said consumption could cause severe allergic reactions in people.

Artificial Dyes Missing from Labels

The recall also flagged missing disclosures for several artificial food colorings, including Red 40, Red 3, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. These synthetic dyes are regulated additives and must be clearly listed on product packaging.

Their absence is considered a labeling violation and can be dangerous for consumers with dye sensitivities. ¹

Where the Cookies Were Sold

The affected products were distributed across more than 130 retail locations, including Big Y (Connecticut and Springfield, MA), Stop & Shop (Connecticut), and supermarkets such as Labonne’s, Adam’s Markets, Highland Park Markets, Price Chopper, T+K Supermarket, Kensington Market, and Public Market of Newington.

Packaging is typically in clamshell plastic containers — 1-lb (454 g) size for most products, and both 1-lb and 2-lb (908 g) clamshells for Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies.

What Consumers Should Do

Shoppers can return the products to the store of purchase for a full refund. Gina Marie Bakery has provided a consumer contact number: 203-596-8007. ¹ The FDA’s recall aims to prevent harm before any adverse events occur.

Reference

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Gina Marie Bakery of Waterbury Issues Recall of Cookies Due to Undeclared Almonds, Sesame, and Food Dyes." September 10, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gina-marie-bakery-waterbury-issues-recall-cookies-due-undeclared-almonds-sesame-and-food-dyes.

(Rh/Eth/ARC)

Reviewed by Dr Sumbul