Here’s the reported flavor of the more than 40,000 units discovered to contain two problematic ingredients—one that’s very much under the microscope as of late.
With Christmas just a week away and holiday parties ramping up, it may feel like time is running out to make and bake dozens of cookies. In those moments, pre-cut cookies or frozen dough can be a welcomed fix. But now a beloved holiday treat is at the center of a new recall from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), reminding shoppers in one Southern state that even seasonal classics can carry unexpected risks.
Dough-To-Go Inc., a California-based firm, has recalled its Linzer Hearts Baked Cut Out Cookies, a raspberry-filled confection often associated with winter celebrations and cookie trays. Linzer cookies—originally created in Austria and known for their cutouts and bright jam centers—are especially popular around Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The recalled cookies were reportedly only distributed to one state: Tennessee.
Dough-To-Go, according to a company website, specializes in “high quality manufacturing of frozen dough and baked goods” with nationwide distributors ranging from retail to fundraising efforts.
According to the FDA’s enforcement report, the recall was triggered by undeclared milk and FD&C Blue No. 1, a synthetic food dye. While milk appears to be listed in the ingredient panel, the FDA determined it was not properly declared as an allergen in a way that meets labeling requirements. Undeclared allergens are a serious concern because they can cause severe or even life-threatening reactions in people with specific food allergies.
The recalled cookies weigh 4 ounces each and were sold in 1.5-pound bags. These were then packaged into cases containing 12 bags each, weighing a total of 18 pounds per case.
In total, 3,486 cases of cookies—or more than 41,000 bags—were involved in the incident. The recall, which appeared on a December 18 FDA Enforcement Report, was originally initiated on November 3, 2025, and has not yet been officially classified.
The affected product is labeled with UPC 0 44964 22072 2 and includes a long list of affected lot codes:
30924, 31024, 31224, 31624, 34124, 34424, 34524, 34624, 34724, 34824, 35124, 35224, 35324, 35424, 35524, 35824, 00224, 00625, 00725, 00825, 00925, 01025, 01325, 01425, 01525, 01625, 01725, 04325, 07625, 07725, 07725, 07925, 08325, 08425, 08526, 08526, 09225, 09325, 09425, 11425, 11825, 11925, 12025, 12125, 12525, 12525, 12625, 12725, 12825, 13225, 13325, 13425, 13525, 13925, 14025, 14125, 14225, 14725, 14825, 14925, 17825, 18125, 18225, 18325, 18425, 19625, 19725, 19825, 20225, 20325, 20525, 20925, 22025, 22325, 23225, 23325, 23425, 23825, 23925, 24025, 24125, 26125, 26125, 26725, 26825.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, severe symptoms of milk allergy may include anaphylaxis. “Without immediate treatment, anaphylaxis may result in death,” they note. Per the Clinic site, other severe symptoms may include:
- Hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain or diarrhea
- Skin rash, itching, or tingling sensation
- Repiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Drop in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
Beyond allergy risks, the recall also highlights a broader shift happening across the food industry. FD&C Blue No. 1, likely used here to enhance the color of the raspberry filling, is one of several artificial dyes currently under renewed scrutiny. In a September 2025 memo, the FDA reported that it is, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “working closely with food manufacturers, retailers, and trade associations to eliminate” FD&C Blue No. 1 and five other “certified color additives frequently used in the food supply” by the end of 2027.
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
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