Why did D. Coluccio & Sons recall Chocolate chip cookies? Reasons explained

Food retailer D. Coluccio & Sons has recalled the Colussi Cantuccini Chocolate Drops chocolate chip cookies. The announcement was made by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 21, 2025.

The reason behind the recall is that the cookies are likely to have undeclared almonds, which could cause life-threatening allergies. The recall came into effect after it was found that the product containing almonds was distributed while the packaging failed to mention the presence of almonds.

This issue was reportedly identified through a recall notice from the product's manufacturer in Italy. Further investigation revealed that the problem was due to a temporary failure in the company's production and packaging processes. As a result, D. Coluccio & Sons decided to withhold the product that bears the following information:

• Weight - 300 grams (10.58 0zs)
• Packaging color – Blue Bag
• UPC – 8002590006020
• Lot #s - 3540152 and L354150
• Best Before Date – January 15, 2025 and May 29, 2025

FDA mentioned that individuals with tree nut allergies, such as almonds, could face severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products. The recalled cookies were sold through retail stores and mail orders.

So far, no illnesses have been reported. Customers who bought these cookies are encouraged to return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. For any questions, consumers can contact D. Coluccio & Sons at 718-436-6700 or write their concerns and send them to [email protected].

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A look into the yesteryears of D. Coluccio & Sons

D. Coluccio & Sons, Inc. is a family-run business specializing in importing and selling Italian foods, based in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Their wholesale division supplies products to well-known gourmet stores and highly-rated restaurants. As per the website, its catalog features authentic Italian items from top producers in Italy.

In a 2024 piece published by Gothamist, chef Frank Pinello toured Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst exploring the best restaurants and grocery stores. The first stop was D. Coluccio & Sons in the Borough Park area. The shop has been a longtime favorite for Pinello and his family, who have come here for years to pick up items like pasta, anchovies, and cheeses.

Pinello remembered seeing baccala (salted cod) hanging from the ceiling during holiday visits as a child. The store originally started as a deli when Domenico Coluccio emigrated from Calabria, Italy, in 1958. By 1964, he and his sons, Luigi and Rocco, had opened D. Coluccio & Sons, specializing in importing Italian goods to serve the local Italian community craving familiar flavors.

As he entered the shop, the scent of fresh cheese filled the air. Luigi Coluccio greeted him and introduced his favorite, Crotonese, a sweet and salty cheese from Calabria. He also offered a taste of their ricotta salata.

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The store's co-owner Cathy Coluccio Fazzolari published her book The Italian Daughter's Cookbook in 2024. In an interview with the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, she said much of the book highlighted her childhood. Her early years were spent on 59th Street, living in an apartment above the family’s first store.