Introduction
When you pull out a dessert treat, the last thing on your mind is an allergen risk — but that’s exactly what happened with a beloved product from Atwater’s. On October 28, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall notice that the company’s “Spider Web Tarts” contained undeclared almond flour, a tree-nut allergen. This article walks you through what happened, why it matters, what to look for, and what to do if you or someone you care about could be affected.
What Happened
Atwater’s, via its parent company One Roof, LLC of Baltimore, MD, announced that the Spider Web Tarts sold at certain farmers markets on October 19 and 20, 2024, were being recalled because they contained almond flour that was not declared on the label. The FDA published the recall on October 28, following the company’s report of a labeling error that resulted from a temporary breakdown in production and packaging processes.
The issue was isolated to those two days of production, but it raised serious concerns because allergen labeling errors can have severe health implications. Atwater’s immediately began notifying customers and local markets once the problem was confirmed.
Which Products Are Affected
The recall covers Atwater’s Spider Web Tarts packaged in clear, clam-shell transparent plastic containers with a green “Spider Web Tart” label and marked with a Julian date of 292 on the bottom. The recalled items were sold at local farmers markets in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia — including Arlington Courthouse, Falls Church, H Street, Mount Pleasant, Silver Spring, Dupont Circle, Greenbelt, and Westover.
According to the company, these tarts were not sold in grocery or retail stores, only through direct farmer’s market sales. This limited distribution helped the company quickly identify and contact affected vendors.
Why This Recall Matters
Almonds are a common tree nut, and tree nuts are among the major allergens identified under U.S. food-labeling law. When a product contains a tree nut but fails to declare it on the label, anyone with a nut allergy could face a serious or even life-threatening reaction.
The FDA classified the recall as a Class I recall — the most serious type — indicating a reasonable probability that consuming the product could cause severe adverse health consequences or death. While no allergic reactions or illnesses were reported at the time of the recall, the potential severity of an undeclared allergen made immediate action essential.
Even trace amounts of almond protein can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. A mislabeled dessert like this poses a hidden risk to anyone assuming it’s nut-free.
What You Should Do If You Bought One
If you purchased the Spider Web Tarts on the affected dates and at one of the listed markets, and if you — or someone in your home — has a tree-nut allergy, take the following steps immediately:
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Do not eat the product. If there’s any uncertainty about the presence of almonds, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
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Check the packaging. Look for the clear clam-shell container with a green “Spider Web Tart” label and Julian date “292.”
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Dispose of or return the product. Customers can contact Atwater’s for a refund or more information at 410-644-3435 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM EST) or by emailing info@atwatersfood.com.
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Seek medical attention if necessary. Anyone who has eaten the tart and experiences symptoms such as hives, swelling, shortness of breath, or throat tightness should contact a healthcare professional immediately.
For those without nut allergies, the product poses no danger, but awareness helps prevent accidental consumption by others who might be sensitive.
Company and FDA Response
Atwater’s responded promptly, stating that the issue was the result of a short-term labeling and production oversight. The company expressed regret for the incident and confirmed that internal reviews were underway to ensure stricter allergen controls in the future.
FDA officials verified the recall and released the necessary consumer alert through their official channels. Subsequent inspections of One Roof, LLC found areas for improvement in allergen hazard analysis, cleaning protocols, and label verification — highlighting how a single breakdown can cascade into consumer risk.
This case shows how even small, artisanal food producers must maintain the same high standards of allergen control as large-scale manufacturers. The recall not only protected consumers but also served as a learning moment for local food vendors about traceability and compliance.
The Human Side of the Recall
For customers, food recalls can be unsettling — especially when the product comes from a trusted local bakery known for its craftsmanship and community ties. Atwater’s has long been regarded for its handmade breads and pastries across Maryland. Incidents like this challenge that trust, but transparency and responsibility are key to restoring it.
Allergy sufferers, in particular, understand the importance of accuracy in labeling. A small oversight in a local kitchen could have serious consequences for someone’s health. This recall reminds both producers and consumers that food safety begins with awareness and diligence at every stage — from sourcing ingredients to labeling and final sale.
Lessons for Consumers
Food recalls like this underline a few key lessons that apply far beyond one brand or dessert:
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Always check ingredient labels. Even familiar products can change formulations or packaging, and mistakes can happen.
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Follow recall updates. The FDA’s official recall page and various consumer safety sites provide alerts and recall databases that are easy to search.
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Ask questions at farmers markets. Smaller producers may not have the same printed allergen warnings as large brands, so it’s wise to confirm directly with vendors if you have allergies.
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Stay calm but informed. Most recalls are precautionary, but acting promptly can prevent serious health issues.
The rise of local food markets has increased public interest in artisan goods, but it also emphasizes the importance of transparency and regulatory oversight in small-scale production.
Food Safety and Trust
Atwater’s recall sheds light on the larger system of food safety that operates quietly behind the scenes. Every label, ingredient list, and packaging detail is part of a vast chain designed to protect consumers.
Allergen labeling isn’t just a formality — it’s a critical lifeline for millions of people with food allergies. Proper training, quality control, and labeling verification must remain non-negotiable, regardless of company size.
Atwater’s response, including immediate cooperation with the FDA and open communication with customers, suggests a commitment to improvement. By publicly acknowledging the issue and taking steps to correct it, the company demonstrates accountability — a crucial element in rebuilding consumer trust after any recall.
Moving Forward
Since the recall, Atwater’s has reportedly reviewed its internal systems and retrained staff involved in labeling and packaging. Strengthening allergen controls, improving supplier communication, and adding double-check steps for product labels are all part of preventing similar incidents in the future.
For consumers, this serves as a reminder that no brand, however careful, is completely immune to human error. But how a company responds — swiftly, transparently, and responsibly — can make all the difference in protecting public confidence.
Conclusion
The recall of Atwater’s Spider Web Tarts over undeclared almond flour highlights just how fragile the balance between trust and safety can be in the food industry. It affects a limited batch of products sold on two days, but its implications stretch far beyond those sales.
For allergy sufferers, it’s a cautionary tale about always staying alert. For food producers, it’s a wake-up call on the importance of accuracy and compliance. And for everyone else, it’s a simple reminder that even in the world of local baked goods, careful labeling saves lives.
If you purchased Atwater’s Spider Web Tarts from a local market in October 2024, take a moment to check your packaging or talk with your vendor. Awareness spreads safety — and sharing this information could help protect someone else.
