Consumers who purchased Halloween-themed Little Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, or Sierra Trading Post are being urged to check their products following a recall involving an undeclared milk allergen.

Crystal Temptations of North Arlington, New Jersey, announced the recall on August 31, 2026, after it was discovered that the Chocolatey Eyeballs contained whey, a milk-derived ingredient, but the packaging did not properly disclose the presence of milk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned that people with a milk allergy or severe sensitivity could face serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled candy.

The recalled candy was sold under the Little Temptations brand in several different package sizes and designs. Five specific style numbers are included in the recall: 54040-CHEY, 54077-CHEY, 58008-CHEY, 58089-CHEY, and 54083-CHEY.

The affected products include Chocolatey Eyeballs packaged in 7-ounce acrylic boxes, 10-ounce plastic bags, 10.5-ounce round plastic jars, 11-ounce plastic bags, and 16-ounce designer plastic pouches. Consumers should check the style number and packaging rather than relying only on the product’s appearance to determine whether their candy is affected.

The products were distributed across 13 states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming. They were sold through Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post locations.

The recall was reportedly initiated after an analyst with TJX, the parent company of the retailers, discovered that the candy contained whey but the packaging failed to identify milk as an allergen. A subsequent investigation attributed the problem to what the manufacturer described as a temporary breakdown in its production and packaging processes.

For most consumers, eating the candy may not present the same level of concern associated with a milk allergy. However, for individuals who are allergic to milk, exposure can cause reactions ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms and hives to severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.

The FDA has therefore advised consumers who purchased the recalled Chocolatey Eyeballs to destroy the products rather than consume them. No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recall when the announcement was issued.

Consumers should also be aware that the recall is somewhat unusual in how refunds are being handled. The FDA says refunds are not available at the retail point of purchase. Instead, consumers seeking a refund must contact Crystal Temptations directly and provide proof of purchase. The company can be reached at 1-201-246-7990, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

The timing of the recall is particularly significant because the candy is marketed as a Halloween product. Seasonal treats purchased weeks before Halloween can remain in household cupboards until they are eventually eaten or distributed, increasing the importance of checking recalled products promptly.

Parents and caregivers of children with milk allergies should be especially cautious before allowing them to eat Halloween candy whose ingredients and allergen declarations have not been checked. Even a product that appears harmless can pose a serious risk when a major allergen has not been properly identified on its packaging.

The Little Temptations recall highlights the importance of accurate food labeling, particularly for people who depend on ingredient and allergen information to protect themselves from potentially dangerous reactions.

Anyone who has the recalled Chocolatey Eyeballs at home should avoid eating them and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for obtaining a refund. While no illnesses have been reported, the undeclared milk presents a potentially serious risk to consumers with milk allergies.

The recall remains an important food-safety alert for shoppers who purchased Halloween candy from TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, or Sierra Trading Post in the affected states.