Chocolatey Eyeballs recalled for undeclared milk after sales in California and 11 other states

A same-day recall covers candy distributed in California

Crystal Temptations recalled five package styles of Chocolatey Eyeballs because the candy contains whey, a milk ingredient, that was not declared on the packaging. The company announcement, posted by the Food and Drug Administration on August 31, says the products were distributed through Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Sierra stores in California and 11 other states. The notice does not identify individual California stores, counties or purchase dates, so shoppers should use the package details rather than assume a specific location was or was not affected.

Check the brand, product and style number

The recall covers eyeball-shaped chocolate candy sold under Crystal Temptations or Little Temptations labeling in five packages: style 54040-CHEY in a 10-ounce plastic bag with a header card; 54077-CHEY in a 7-ounce acrylic box with a paper wrap; 58008-CHEY in a 10.5-ounce round plastic jar; 58089-CHEY in a 16-ounce pouch; and 54083-CHEY in an 11-ounce plastic bag tied with a tag. Compare the style number and package with the current FDA notice and its product photos. A similar candy shape or a purchase from one of the listed chains is not enough by itself to establish that another product is recalled.

The company says whey was missing from the label

According to the company announcement, a TJX analyst discovered that candy containing whey was distributed in packaging that did not disclose milk. The company attributed the problem to a temporary breakdown in production and packaging. FDA identifies milk as one of the nine major food allergens and says undeclared milk is the most common allergen behind U.S. food recalls. That broader context explains the safety concern; it does not establish that every person who ate this product had or will have a reaction.

Do not eat, donate or resell the recalled candy

The company urges purchasers to destroy the recalled product. FDA recall guidance also says not to give a recalled food to another person, a food bank or a pet. Keep photos of the full package, style number and proof of purchase before disposal if you plan to request a refund. The announcement says retailers are not providing refunds at the point of sale; customers should contact Crystal Temptations at 201-246-7990, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, and be prepared to provide proof of purchase. Check the live notice before acting in case instructions change.

No illnesses were reported when the notice was posted

The company reported no illnesses as of the August 31 announcement. That statement is a snapshot attributed to the recalling company, not proof that exposure is harmless. People without a milk allergy should still follow the recall instructions because the package is inaccurately labeled and individual health circumstances differ. Do not test the product by eating a small amount, and do not rely on appearance, smell or taste to decide whether an undeclared allergen is present.

Treat a serious allergic reaction as an emergency

FDA lists possible food-allergy symptoms including hives, facial or tongue swelling, vomiting, coughing, wheezing, dizziness, throat swelling, trouble breathing and loss of consciousness. A severe reaction can progress rapidly. Follow the person’s prescribed allergy action plan and use epinephrine as directed if available; call 911 for breathing difficulty, throat swelling, fainting, rapidly worsening symptoms or another suspected anaphylactic emergency. Tell emergency personnel if epinephrine was used. Do not substitute an antihistamine, wellness service or online article for emergency treatment.

How to document and report a problem

Contact a healthcare professional after a suspected reaction and preserve the package, receipt and photos without keeping the candy where it could be eaten. FDA asks reports to include the product name, purchase location and date, package codes, symptoms, timing and any treatment received. Consumers can submit a non-emergency food complaint through FDA’s reporting channels as well as notify the company. NOCTI is sharing this recall as consumer safety information; it does not diagnose food allergy or replace advice from a qualified clinician.

Sources

• FDA: Crystal Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs undeclared-milk recall (August 31, 2026) ↗
• FDA: food-allergy labeling, symptoms and consumer guidance ↗
• FDA: how consumers should respond to a recalled product ↗
• American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: milk-allergy symptoms and treatment ↗
• FDA: non-emergency food complaint and adverse-event reporting ↗