The company that makes the black and white mini cookies sold in Starbucks stores is recalling the treat because they contain milk, an ingredient not declared on the packaging that can cause potentially serious or even life-threatening reactions for people allergic to it.
Sweet Sam's Baking Company of the Bronx issued the recall Friday for the black and white cookies sold in Starbucks stores in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Florida, Delaware, Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia.
The recall, which was ordered after two customers with milk allergies reported reactions after eating the cookies, applies to any of the treats sold in those stores on or before April 23, the company said.
The product comes in a 2 oz. clear film package, each containing two cookies. Printed upon the front of the package are the words “Black & White Mini Cookies," “A New York City Favorite” and “SKU 408785." The back panel says "Manufactured for Starbucks Coffee Company."
According to the FDA, a product packaging review determined that the private-label packaging design omitted the presence of milk from the ingredient panel. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an oversight in the design process of the private label, the agency said. The same cookies sold under Sweet Sam's own trademark do not have the packaging issue, the FDA said, and the label will be changed before the cookies are reintroduced to the market.
Consumers allergic to milk who have purchased the black and white cookies sold at Starbucks made by Sweet Sam's are urged to discard the product or return it to any Starbucks store for a full refund.
