Repackaged M&M Recall 2026: Chocolate Candy Sold in 20 States Has a Dangerous Defect — Just Before Valentine’s Day

Chocolate season is in full swing — and right in the middle of it, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new recall affecting repackaged M&M’s candies distributed in 20 U.S. states due to undeclared allergens. (Wausau Pilot & Review)

The recall comes just a week before Valentine’s Day, which makes this alert especially important for anyone planning to share chocolate treats with family, friends, or classmates.

What’s Being Recalled?

This recall does not involve standard M&M’s sold in regular retail packaging. Instead, it applies to repackaged promotional bags of M&M’s that were distributed at corporate events, giveaways, or special promotions — often with company branding on the packaging.

The issue is missing allergen labels. The repackaged candy does not clearly list the presence of milk, soy, and peanuts — three of the most common food allergens that can cause serious or even life-threatening reactions in people with sensitivities. (Delish)

For individuals with allergies, consuming these mislabeled products could lead to temporary or medically reversible health effects — the reason the FDA issued a Class II recall. (Delish)

📍 States Where the Recalled M&M’s Were Distributed

The recall affects repackaged M&M’s that were distributed in the following 20 states: (Delish)

1. Alabama

2. Arizona

3. California

4. Florida

5. Iowa

6. Kansas

7. Kentucky

8. Maryland

9. Massachusetts

10. Minnesota

11. New York

12. North Carolina

13. Ohio

14. Pennsylvania

15. South Dakota

16. Tennessee

17. Texas

18. Virginia

19. Washington

20. Wisconsin

If you live in one of these states and received promotional M&M’s recently, it’s worth double-checking your packaging — especially if someone in your household has food allergies. (Delish)

How to Spot the Recalled Candy

The recalled products are relatively specific:

• 1.3-ounce bags of repackaged M&M’s

• A mix of classic and peanut M&M’s

• Bags with company or event branding (not standard retail packaging)

• Specific lot codes and “best-by” dates listed in the FDA notice (Delish)

Because these bags weren’t sold in regular stores, your pantry may not have them — but if you were gifted candy or got it at a promotional event, it’s worth a look.

What You Should Do

Here’s how to handle this recall safely:

✔ If the repackaged M&M’s are from the affected lot codes and you or someone around you has allergies to peanuts, milk, or soy — do not eat them.

✔ It’s safest to discard them immediately.

✔ If no one in your household has relevant allergies and you’re certain the packaging is not part of the recall, the FDA indicates the candy itself isn’t inherently unsafe — the risk comes from the undeclared allergen warnings.

Valentine’s Day is coming — and chocolate is part of the tradition. But this recall is an important reminder that even familiar favorites like M&M’s can pose risks if packaging and allergen information aren’t accurate.

Take a moment to check any promotional candies you’ve received this season — and keep the treats sweet and safe for everyone.