M&M's pulled from shelves in 20 states over hidden life-threatening ingredient
A recall has been issued for more than 6,000 bags of repackaged M&M’s due to a serious labeling error that could put millions at risk of a severe allergic reaction. The FDA announced that Beacon Promotions Inc failed to include required allergen warnings on packaging. While the candies contain milk, soy and peanuts, these ingredients are not disclosed on the outer bags, posing a significant risk to those with allergies. The affected products are 1.3-ounce bags of M&M's Peanut and classic M&M's that were distributed in custom packaging for various companies and events. They were sold in 20 states, including California, Texas, Florida and New York. They were custom promotional items created for specific companies and organizations to give away, not standard retail products. To identify the recalled Peanut M&M's, look for the ‘Make Your Mark’ label with lot code M1823200 and a ‘best by’ date of April 30, 2026. The recalled classic M&M's can be identified by a wide range of promotional labels, including Subaru, Adobe, Xfinity and Morgan Stanley and specific lot codes and dates provided in the official recall. After the company initiated the recall process on January 26, the FDA categorized the recall in its Class II classification on February 4. The Class II designation refers to products where use could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, where the chance of serious harm is remote.
In This Article:
- What was recalled and how to identify the products
- Beacon Promotions Inc: the company behind the recall and the brands involved
- Why these ingredients matter: health risk context for milk, peanut and soy allergies
- What to do if you have a recalled bag and where to turn for more information
- Recall timeline and regulatory note
What was recalled and how to identify the products
The recall covers 1.3-ounce bags of M&M's in custom promotional packaging, not standard retail products. The Peanut M&M's are identified by the 'Make Your Mark' label with lot code M1823200 and a best-by date of 2026-04-30. The classic M&M's recall includes a wide range of promotional labels such as Subaru, Adobe, Xfinity and Morgan Stanley, with specific lot codes and dates listed in the official recall. The recalled products were distributed in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Beacon Promotions Inc: the company behind the recall and the brands involved
Beacon Promotions Inc is a Minnesota-based company that customizes products with client logos. The firm specializes in creating branded promotional items, from tote bags to chocolate, that businesses give away. Among its offerings are customized M&M's packages. Among the most prominent entities named are the automotive manufacturer Subaru, the financial services giant Morgan Stanley, the software companies Adobe and Dropbox, the media and internet provider Xfinity (Comcast), the hotel chain Best Western and the insurance conglomerate Berkeley Hathaway Guard. The list also includes notable institutions like the University of Maryland and Liberty University.
Why these ingredients matter: health risk context for milk, peanut and soy allergies
For people with a milk allergy, the body mistakes harmless milk proteins for dangerous invaders and releases histamine and other chemicals to fight them off. This can trigger a rapid and severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which may include hives, vomiting, wheezing, facial swelling and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. A peanut allergy is one of the most severe and common food allergies, where the immune system launches an extreme attack against peanut proteins. Even trace exposure through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation can trigger a rapid, full-body reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include widespread hives, severe swelling of the lips and throat, a sudden drop in blood pressure and intense difficulty breathing, often within minutes. A soy allergy involves an immune system overreaction to proteins found in soybeans and soy-based products. While reactions can vary widely, they often include hives, itching, digestive distress and swelling. In more severe cases, exposure can lead to anaphylaxis. Soy is a common hidden ingredient in many processed foods, sauces and even some non-food items, making avoidance a significant challenge for those with this allergy. Although soy allergies are frequently associated with infants and children, many people carry the sensitivity into adulthood. If you received a promotional bag of M&M's in one of the 20 listed states, check the label and lot codes immediately. If it matches the recall and you have an allergy, discard it at once.
What to do if you have a recalled bag and where to turn for more information
If you received promotional M&M's in one of the 20 listed states, check the label and lot codes immediately. If it matches the recall and you have an allergy or sensitivity, discard it at once. The recall involves 1.3-ounce bags of Peanut and classic M&M's in custom promotional packaging—not standard retail products. They were given away by companies in 20 states, including California, Texas, Florida and New York.
Recall timeline and regulatory note
The recall process began on January 26; the FDA categorized the recall as Class II on February 4. A Class II designation refers to products where use could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, and the chance of serious harm is remote.
