Target has issued a critical recall for their Favorite Day Gourmet New York Style Cheesecake due to undeclared pecan allergens. The specific affected products, packaged in 6oz/2ct containers with lot code 25028A1 000039133, were distributed across California, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas between February 14 and March 7, 2025. This recall highlights the serious dangers that undisclosed allergens pose to consumers with food sensitivities, particularly since tree nuts rank among the most common and potentially dangerous food allergens. While no illnesses have been reported as of the March 19th recall date, the situation serves as an important reminder of the need for accurate food labeling and allergen disclosure.
Details of the Target Cheesecake Recall
The recall involves Target’s Favorite Day brand Gourmet New York Style Cheesecake, specifically the 6oz/2ct package with lot code 25028A1 000039133 and UPC 0 85239 09690 1. Dessert Holdings LLC, the distributor behind this product, initiated the recall after discovering that these cheesecakes contained pecans that weren’t listed on the ingredient label. The products were available exclusively at Target stores in select states between mid-February and early March of 2025.
What makes this situation particularly concerning is that pecans are tree nuts, which rank among the eight major food allergens responsible for most serious allergic reactions in the United States. For individuals with nut allergies, accidental consumption could trigger severe or even life-threatening responses. The recall announcement came promptly after the issue was identified, demonstrating the seriousness with which food safety concerns are addressed.
Dessert Holdings, in collaboration with Target, has moved quickly to remove the affected products from store shelves. The company has also confirmed that the manufacturing issue has been corrected, with no other production dates or lot numbers affected by this particular labeling error. This type of quick response is crucial when FDA recalls desserts over safety concerns.
Understanding the Health Risks
For most consumers, this recall might seem like a minor issue, but for those with pecan or tree nut allergies, it represents a significant health threat. Tree nut allergies are among the most common food allergies and often cause severe reactions. Unlike some food sensitivities that might result in mild discomfort, nut allergies frequently trigger anaphylaxis – a potentially life-threatening allergic response.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to tree nuts can include difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face and throat, digestive problems, and in severe cases, a dangerous drop in blood pressure. The speed and severity of these reactions make proper food labeling not just a regulatory requirement but a critical safety measure. Even trace amounts of an allergen can trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals.
The food industry follows strict guidelines regarding temperature control and preparation to minimize cross-contamination. Understanding baking temperatures and their effects can help prevent some food safety issues, but allergen management requires additional precautions throughout the production process. Thankfully, as of the recall date, no adverse reactions or illnesses had been reported in connection with this particular product.
How the Recall Was Identified
The discovery of this labeling error came through a consumer complaint received on March 14, 2025. A customer with pecan sensitivity reportedly noticed pecans in the product that weren’t disclosed on the packaging label. This highlights the important role that consumers play in food safety oversight – often, it’s the end user who first identifies potential problems.
Following this complaint, Dessert Holdings conducted an investigation and confirmed that the specific lot indeed contained pecans without proper labeling disclosure. The company immediately notified the relevant regulatory authorities and initiated a voluntary recall. Their prompt response demonstrates the food industry’s commitment to addressing safety concerns quickly.
The issue has reportedly been traced to a specific manufacturing run, allowing the company to pinpoint exactly which products required recall. By March 19, 2025, the official recall notice was issued, giving consumers and retailers the information needed to identify and remove the affected products. The company has since implemented additional quality control measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Identifying Affected Products
If you’ve purchased Target’s Favorite Day cheesecake recently, you’ll want to check if your product is part of this recall. The affected items are the Gourmet New York Style Cheesecake, sold in clear plastic clamshell packaging. Look specifically for the 6oz/2ct size with lot code 25028A1 000039133 and UPC 0 85239 09690 1.
The lot code information can be found printed on the side of the clear lid. Only products with this specific lot code are affected, and the recall is limited to items distributed between February 14 and March 7, 2025, in California, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas. If you’re unsure whether your product is included in the recall, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Proper storage and serving of desserts is always important, but in cases involving allergens, extra vigilance is required. If you have purchased this product and have concerns about potential pecan allergies, you should avoid consuming it regardless of lot number. The safety risk simply isn’t worth taking when allergens are involved.
What Consumers Should Do Next
If you’ve purchased the affected cheesecake and have a pecan or tree nut allergy, do not consume this product under any circumstances. Even if you don’t have allergies yourself, consider that the product might be shared with guests or family members who may have undisclosed allergies.
Target and Dessert Holdings are offering a full refund for the recalled products. Simply return the product to your local Target store, even if you’ve already opened or partially consumed it. No receipt is necessary for returns related to this specific safety recall.
For consumers with additional questions or concerns, resources are available. You can contact Target Guest Relations at (800) 444-0680 or reach out directly to Dessert Holdings at (720) 766-9060 or by email at marketing@dessertholdings.com. Their customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm Mountain Time to assist with any concerns related to this recall or their products in general.
The Broader Context of Food Recalls
This Target cheesecake recall doesn’t exist in isolation but is part of a larger pattern of food safety vigilance in the industry. In recent years, we’ve seen increasing attention to allergen labeling across all food categories. Such recalls highlight the ongoing challenges food manufacturers face in ensuring accurate labeling, particularly in complex production environments where multiple products may share equipment.
Food allergen recalls tend to spike during certain times of the year, particularly around holidays when specialty items and limited-time offerings increase manufacturing complexity. The food industry continues to invest in technology and processes designed to improve allergen control and labeling accuracy. These innovations are creating a more sustainable dessert landscape where safety and quality coexist.
Consumer advocates emphasize that while recalls like this can be concerning, they actually demonstrate that safety systems are working as designed. The ability to quickly identify, track, and recall specific batches of products shows the food safety infrastructure functioning effectively. This provides a measure of reassurance even as it highlights areas where continued improvement is needed.
The Importance of Accurate Food Labeling
This recall underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling, particularly when it comes to allergens. For millions of Americans with food allergies, clear and accurate ingredient lists aren’t just helpful – they’re potentially life-saving tools. The FDA requires that major food allergens be clearly labeled, reflecting the serious health implications these ingredients can have for sensitive individuals.
Food manufacturers must maintain rigorous quality control processes to ensure that product packaging accurately reflects all ingredients. This includes not just intentionally added components but also potential cross-contamination during manufacturing. Some companies are now exploring fermented desserts and other innovative techniques that may offer alternatives for consumers with certain food sensitivities.
As consumers, we can help improve food safety by reporting discrepancies when we find them, just as the alert customer did in this case. If you ever notice an ingredient in your food that isn’t listed on the package, especially a common allergen, reporting it could potentially protect others with severe allergies. I’ve found that checking food labels carefully before purchasing has become second nature for many conscious shoppers today.
For those managing food allergies, it’s always advisable to look beyond the ingredient list and also check for “may contain” or “processed in a facility that also processes” statements. These voluntary disclosures provide additional information about potential cross-contamination risks. While this recall situation is unfortunate, it serves as a reminder of why submitting your dessert recipe to trusted sources and being transparent about ingredients is so important for food safety in our communities.