Chocolatey Eyeballs candy sold at TJ Maxx and Marshalls recalled in 13 states

What was recalled

Crystal Temptations of North Arlington, New Jersey is recalling Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs because they contain undeclared milk. The FDA's summary lists the brand as Little Temptations, while the company's announcement describes the product as sold under the Crystal Temptations brand, and every style in the recall is packaged with a Crystal Temptations label.

Five package sizes are involved: 7 oz., 10 oz., 10.5 oz., 11 oz. and 16 oz. Each size corresponds to a different style number and package type, from an acrylic box to a round plastic jar and a pouch bag, all listed in the identification section below.

The recall is limited to Chocolatey Eyeballs. The notice does not name any other Crystal Temptations or Little Temptations products, and nothing in it suggests that other seasonal candy from the company is affected. The company announcement is dated Aug. 31, 2026, the same day the FDA published it.

Why the candy was recalled

The candy contains whey, a milk ingredient, but the packaging did not reveal the presence of milk. The notice uses the standard allergen warning: people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

According to the announcement, the recall was initiated after a TJX analyst discovered that Chocolatey Eyeballs containing whey (milk) had been distributed in packaging that did not list milk. The company's subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in its production and packaging processes. The notice does not say how many packages were affected or whether some packages were labeled correctly.

For shoppers without a milk allergy or sensitivity, the notice describes no other hazard. Two other allergen recalls in this series follow the same pattern: an undeclared-milk recall of Donutful mini donuts sold on Amazon and an undeclared-egg recall of Jaime's Spanish Village Jalapeno Ranch in Texas.

Where the candy was sold

The recalled candy was distributed in 13 states: Arizona, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Indiana, Nevada, California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio and Wyoming.

It was sold through four retail chains named on the notice: Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Sierra Trading Post. The notice does not list specific store locations, does not mention online sales and does not name any other retailer. Early coverage focused on TJ Maxx and Marshalls; the official notice adds HomeGoods and Sierra Trading Post.

Because this is Halloween candy, it may sit unopened for weeks before it is served. If you picked up Chocolatey Eyeballs at any of these four chains in one of the 13 states, check the package against the style numbers below before putting it out, especially for children or guests whose allergies you do not know.

How to identify the recalled candy

The notice identifies the recalled candy by style number and package type rather than by UPC, lot code or best-by date, none of which appear in the announcement. Each style number ends in CHEY and is printed on the product label, and each package is labeled Crystal Temptations.

Match the size and package type of what you bought to the table. If your package is a different size, a different brand or a different format, it is not described as part of this recall. Photograph the label, including the style number, before you destroy the package, because the company asks for proof of purchase for a refund.

Reported illnesses

None reported. The announcement states that no illnesses have been reported to date, as of its Aug. 31, 2026 posting. The recall was triggered by an analyst's discovery of the labeling problem, not by a consumer complaint or a reported reaction.

The only health language in the notice is the standard allergen warning: people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The notice does not describe symptoms, and it does not give guidance for people who have already eaten the candy. This article does not add medical guidance the notice does not contain.

By contrast, the Donutful donut recall in this series was prompted by a reported allergic reaction; this one was not.

What to do if you bought it

The company's instruction is to destroy the product: consumers who have purchased Crystal Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs are urged to destroy it. On refunds, the notice is specific. Refunds are not available at the point of sale; consumers must reach out to Crystal Temptations with proof of purchase for a refund.

The contact channel is a phone line, 1-201-246-7990, staffed Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The notice does not list an email address or web form, and it does not say what counts as proof of purchase, how the refund is paid or how long it takes. Because the notice says refunds are not available at the point of sale, do not expect Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods or Sierra Trading Post to refund it at the register.

1. Check the package: a Crystal Temptations label, Chocolatey Eyeballs, and one of the five style numbers (54040-CHEY, 54077-CHEY, 58008-CHEY, 58089-CHEY or 54083-CHEY).
2. Photograph the label and style number and keep your receipt; the company requires proof of purchase for a refund.
3. Destroy the product, as the company urges. Do not take it back to the store for a refund; the notice says refunds are not available at the point of sale.
4. Call Crystal Temptations at 1-201-246-7990, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern, to request a refund with your proof of purchase.

Who issued the recall and when

The recall was announced by Crystal Temptations of North Arlington, New Jersey. The FDA lists the company announcement date and its own publish date as Aug. 31, 2026, the product type as Food & Beverages (Allergens), the brand as Little Temptations and the reason as undeclared milk.

The FDA posts company announcements as a public service and does not endorse the product or the company. The posting does not include an FDA recall number or a Class I, II or III classification; if the agency assigns one, it appears in the FDA's Enforcement Reports, not on the company announcement.

The retailers are not the recalling party. The recall comes from Crystal Temptations, which credits a TJX analyst with spotting the labeling problem. The notice does not state a status beyond the announcement itself, and its content is marked current as of Aug. 31, 2026, so readers should check the FDA page directly for any later update, such as added sizes or states.

How to monitor recalls and why to keep your receipts

Seasonal candy is easy to lose track of. Food recalls appear on the FDA recalls page and through FoodSafety.gov alerts; meat and poultry recalls come from USDA FSIS; household products are on the CPSC recalls page; and vehicle recalls can be checked by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Retailers sometimes notify customers who bought a recalled item, and a brand's own website often posts its notice first.

Before you destroy a recalled product, keep the receipt and photograph the packaging, including the style number, lot code, UPC or best-by date. That proof of purchase may matter if a company refund, reimbursement or a future claim program becomes available; in this case the company says it is required. Owed tracks open class action settlements (not recalls); browse them at settlements.html or see this month's open settlements.

Glossary

Undeclared allergen

An ingredient such as milk, egg, wheat or peanut that is present in a food but not listed on its label. Undeclared milk is the reason for this recall.

Whey

A milk-derived ingredient. The notice says the Chocolatey Eyeballs contained whey (milk) that the packaging did not disclose.

Style number

The manufacturer's product code printed on the label, such as 54040-CHEY. This recall is identified by style number rather than by UPC or lot code.

Proof of purchase

A receipt or other record showing you bought the item. Crystal Temptations says consumers must provide it to get a refund.

Point of sale

The store register where you bought the item. The notice says refunds are not available there for this recall.

FAQ