September 20, 2014, Mars Chocolate North America announced a voluntary recall of its M&M Brand Theater Box 3.40 oz UPC #40000294764 with specific lot numbers. I am an avid moviegoer! I go as often as my wife and I can get a babysitter. Fortunately, neither of us are afflicted with allergies to peanuts. That being said, I am also an avid fan of peanuts…all things nutty, actually. However, this week an innocent excursion to the cinema could prove dangerous for those who are allergic to peanuts.

Well, not really. This Theater Box item within these lot codes may contain product containing peanut butter without listing on the ingredient label on the outside cardboard box. The inside package is correctly labeled with ingredients and allergy information. Perhaps the warning should read, “The package of Peanut Butter M&Ms that you purchased at the movie theater last night, might have come from a box indicating it contained packages of some other flavor of M&M.”

So, if you have a peanut allergy and you are in the habit of purchasing Chocolate M&Ms by the case (I’m not judging if you are)…AND you happen to open the case in the dark, extract a package, and begin eating without reading the label while you are thoroughly entranced and engaged with the entertainment that is being projected before you…AND the case (or Theater Box) is from among the lots mentioned in the official FDA announcement… and thereby you have unwittingly consumed Peanut Butter M&Ms…You are in huge trouble. However, I don’t think this scenario is very likely. Thankfully, it is our FDA and Mars Chocolate North America going the extra mile to protect us from an unhealthy movie-going outcome.

Maybe I’m reading the announcement wrong. Please go to http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm415489.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery and look for yourself. Let me know if my critical thinking skills and judgment have failed me. Perhaps, you know of other examples in which this situation could result in a personal health crisis. If so, please comment. I am completely entranced and engaged!

For more information see the official FDA notice and photos of the labels.