If you’re among the millions of Americans who start their day with a gummy vitamin, it might be time to take a closer look at the label.
Several widely distributed B12 vitamin supplements—found in ALDI, BJ’s, and even on Amazon—have been urgently recalled over the possibility that they might contain an undeclared allergen: peanuts.
And while that may seem like a small slip-up, for those with peanut allergies, it could be a life-or-death mistake.
Here’s what actually happened—and why this quiet recall is making loud waves in the health and nutrition world.
🧪 The Spark: Routine Testing Uncovers a Red Flag
ALDI, one of the biggest grocery chains in the U.S. with over 2,500 stores, conducted routine quality control tests on its vitamin products. These tests are designed to verify that what’s on the label matches what’s actually in the bottle.
One batch of B12 gummies, marketed under the Welby brand, tested positive for the possible presence of peanuts—an ingredient that wasn’t listed on the packaging.
This prompted a deeper investigation. The manufacturer, New York-based Vita Warehouse Corp, did their own internal testing, which didn’t detect any peanut traces.
However, instead of taking any chances, they issued a voluntary recall—a safety-first move that reflects growing concern over allergen labeling in the supplement industry.
🧴 Which Products Are Affected?
The recall includes a specific lot—lot number 248046601—across three popular B12 supplement brands:
- Welby Vitamin B12 Energy Support Gummies
- 1000 mcg, 140 gummies
- Sold at ALDI
- Clear bottle, white cap, green/red/white label
- UPC: 4099100290868
- Berkley Jensen Vitamin B12 Gummies
- 1000 mcg, 250 gummies
- Sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Clear bottle, white cap, red/pink label
- UPC: 888670132487
- VitaGlobe Vitamin B12 Extra Strength Gummies
- 60 gummies
- Sold online and in select stores
- Clear bottle, white cap, white/red label
- UPC: 850005214670
All affected products have an expiration date of October 2026.
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🚨 Why It’s a Big Deal: Peanut Allergies Are No Joke
Peanuts are one of the most common and most dangerous allergens in the U.S. An estimated 6.1 million Americans, including about 1 in every 13 children, are allergic to peanuts. For them, even a microscopic amount can set off a severe immune response known as anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:
- Swelling of the throat and tongue
- Rapid drop in blood pressure
- Hives and itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
- In extreme cases, death
This isn’t just a minor allergy where you get a rash or stomach ache. Peanut reactions can escalate quickly, and unless treated immediately—often with an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen)—they can be fatal.
According to public health estimates, 150 to 200 Americans die every year due to food allergy-related complications, many triggered by hidden allergens in everyday foods and supplements.
💊 Why Are Supplements at Risk?
Dietary supplements like vitamins and herbal gummies aren’t regulated as strictly as prescription drugs. That means companies have more flexibility in terms of ingredient sourcing and labeling—especially when it comes to cross-contamination risks.
Even facilities that don’t intentionally add peanuts to their products can still face issues if their machinery processes nuts for other items.
And while most manufacturers include allergen warnings like “May contain traces of peanuts,” that statement is voluntary—not mandatory.
That’s why this recall is drawing attention. Even without confirmed peanut content, the risk was significant enough to warrant pulling products from shelves.
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🧠 What Does B12 Actually Do?
Vitamin B12 isn’t just a buzzy supplement trend. It plays a critical role in:
- Forming red blood cells, which carry oxygen to every cell in your body
- Maintaining nerve health, especially the brain and spinal cord
- Producing DNA, your body’s genetic blueprint
- Boosting energy levels, especially in people who are deficient
Low levels of B12 can lead to fatigue, brain fog, depression, and even nerve damage if left untreated. That’s why it’s become a go-to supplement, especially among older adults, vegetarians, and people with certain digestive disorders like Crohn’s or celiac disease.
Surveys suggest about 1 in 4 Americans take a B12 supplement regularly. Many prefer gummy formats for their taste and ease—especially for kids and seniors. But this convenience also means potential risk if allergens sneak into the mix.
🛑 What You Should Do Now
If you’ve recently bought any of these products, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Here’s what the FDA recommends:
- If you or a family member is allergic to peanuts:
Do not consume the product. Return it to the store for a full refund or throw it away. - If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction after consuming one:
Seek emergency medical help immediately.
The FDA hasn’t yet officially classified the recall, but if it receives a Class I designation, it means the product poses a serious, potentially fatal health risk. That category is the most urgent kind of FDA recall.
🤔 What This Reveals About Supplement Safety
This recall is part of a larger issue that’s gaining attention: the reliability of supplement labeling. As the vitamin and supplement industry continues to grow—now worth over $50 billion annually in the U.S.—consumers are starting to ask tougher questions:
- How transparent are companies about ingredient sourcing?
- Are allergen tests regularly conducted?
- Should there be stricter government oversight?
Until clearer standards are in place, this case serves as a reminder to read labels carefully, know your allergens, and stay informed about recalls that could affect you or your family.
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What’s Really Going On?
A batch of popular B12 gummy vitamins has been pulled off the market—not because anyone got sick, but because they might contain peanuts, and the label didn’t say so. The recall affects three brands—Welby, Berkley Jensen, and VitaGlobe—all traced back to one manufacturing lot.
Though the company’s internal tests showed no peanut traces, ALDI’s routine checks raised concern, prompting a proactive recall.
Why does this matter? Because peanuts are among the most dangerous food allergens, and even a trace amount can trigger life-threatening reactions in millions of Americans. Anaphylaxis isn’t just a rash—it’s a full-body immune meltdown that can shut down breathing and blood pressure within minutes.
These B12 gummies, often used to support energy, brain function, and red blood cell production, are commonly consumed by adults and kids alike. The fact that this happened in something marketed as healthy and allergen-free is exactly why the FDA and health-conscious shoppers are paying close attention.
