Hershey Adds Carving Disclaimer to Reese’s Pumpkins

Hershey has updated Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins packaging with the front-of-package line "Carving not on actual product," confirmed as of Oct. 6, 2026. The previous disclaimer read "Decorating Suggestion." The image still shows a jack-o'-lantern face on the pumpkin-shaped candy. Florida residents Nathan Vidal, Debra Kennick, Abdjul Martin and Eduardo Granados sued Hershey in May 2024 seeking $5 million and alleging "unlawful, fraudulent, unfair, misleading and/or deceptive" advertising. Vidal bought three bags in 2023 expecting carved faces and found blank pumpkins. The complaint also named ghosts, bats, footballs, snowmen, stockings and bells. Florida District Judge Melissa Damian dismissed the case in September 2025, then again on Sept. 16, 2026 after an October 2025 amended complaint by Vidal and Granados, finding only "their subjective disappointment" as injury. Attorney Anthony J. Russo Jr. said the team is "disappointed" and discussing a potential appeal. CONTESTED: Coverage links the disclaimer change to the lawsuits. Hershey has not stated why it changed the wording and has not publicly tied the update to the litigation. One account notes a separate 2023 Florida packaging suit was also dismissed.