A Halloween candy sold at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and Sierra stores in 13 states is being recalled because the product contains milk that is not declared on the label.
Crystal Temptations of North Arlington, New Jersey, recalled several packages of its Chocolatey Eyeballs on August 31, 2026. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted the company recall the same day. People with a milk allergy or severe sensitivity could suffer a serious or potentially life-threatening reaction if they eat the candy.
No illnesses had been reported when the recall was announced, according to the FDA. The agency lists the affected products under the Little Temptations brand. The full FDA recall notice includes photographs and identifying information for the packages.
Which Halloween Candy Is Being Recalled?
The recall covers five versions of Chocolatey Eyeballs sold in packages ranging from 7 ounces to 16 ounces.
| Style number | Package | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 54040-CHEY | Plastic bag with designed header card | 10 oz. |
| 54077-CHEY | Acrylic box with paper wrap | 7 oz. |
| 58008-CHEY | Round plastic jar | 10.5 oz. |
| 58089-CHEY | Plastic pouch bag | 16 oz. |
| 54083-CHEY | Plastic bag tied with a tag | 11 oz. |
Shoppers should check the style number and packaging rather than relying only on the appearance of the candy.
Where Was the Recalled Candy Sold?
The recalled Chocolatey Eyeballs were distributed to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and Sierra Trading Post locations in 13 states:
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Texas
- Virginia
- Wyoming
The recall comes as Halloween merchandise is beginning to appear in stores, increasing the chance that some shoppers may already have the candy stored at home.
Why Were the Chocolatey Eyeballs Recalled?
The problem was discovered by a TJX analyst who found whey in the product formulation even though milk was not declared as an allergen on the package.
Whey is derived from milk and must be properly identified for consumers with milk allergies. Crystal Temptations said an investigation found that a temporary breakdown in its production and packaging processes caused the labeling problem.
Milk is one of the major food allergens that must be declared on packaged food labels in the United States.
What Should Shoppers Do?
Consumers with one of the recalled packages should not eat the candy. The company is telling customers to destroy the product.
Unlike many food recalls, the notice says the candy should not be returned to the retailer for a refund. Consumers seeking reimbursement should contact Crystal Temptations directly and provide proof of purchase.
The company can be reached at 201-246-7990 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday.
People with milk allergies should take the warning seriously even if they have eaten similar candy before without a reaction. Symptoms of a food allergy can include hives, swelling, vomiting, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Severe reactions can develop into anaphylaxis and require emergency treatment.
No Illnesses Reported So Far
Crystal Temptations said it had received no reports of illness connected to the recalled candy as of the announcement.
The recall is the latest food-safety action affecting products sold through major U.S. retailers. NCHStats recently reported on mangoes sold at Walmart recalled over a Salmonella risk and an earlier FDA recall involving frozen berries sold at Publix.
Anyone who has Chocolatey Eyeballs at home should compare the package against the five recalled styles before the candy is eaten or handed out for Halloween.
