Costco sends warning about dessert: The filling isn’t what you expected

Costco has sent warning letters to shoppers who bought one of its desserts in recent weeks: The filling isn’t as advertised.

Certain packages of mini-beignets have a chocolate hazelnut filling rather than caramel, as indicated on the label. People with a sensitivity to hazelnuts (also called filberts) could have an allergic reaction, the retailer warned.

The mislabeled packages (Item #1181272) were sold between Jan. 16 and Jan. 30 at Costco stores in 23 states: California, Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Shoppers can return the package to Costco for a refund, the letter said.

Costco’s membership model means it can contact shoppers known to have purchased items that were recalled or otherwise deemed hazardous. Last year, it sent urgent letters about bottles of sparkling wine that were at risk of exploding, telling customers to immediately wrap the bottle in a plastic bag and put it in an outside garbage can.