A sudden alert on Tuesday saw Aldi shoppers urged to discard certain holiday bark treats after Silvestri Sweets discovered undeclared allergens in two Choceur-branded varieties. The recall, which began Monday, highlights the importance of accurate labeling for consumers with food sensitivities.
The Recall
Silvestri Sweets Inc., based in Geneva, Illinois, issued a voluntary recall of its “Choceur” Holiday Barks. The company found that the Cookie Butter Holiday Bark contained undeclared pecan ingredients, while the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark included undeclared wheat. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the recall alert on Tuesday, noting that consumers with allergies could experience a serious or life-threatening reaction.
What Consumers Need to Know
Customers who purchased the affected products are advised to either discard the items or contact Silvestri Sweets for assistance. The company stated that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled items. Shoppers can call Silvestri Sweets at 1-630-232-2500 with questions or concerns.
Product Details
The recall covers two distinct 5-ounce, stand-up pouch bags, each sold under the Choceur brand:
Cookie Butter Holiday Bark
- Lot # 28525 – Best By 05/2026
- Lot # 29925 – Best By 05/2026
- Lot # 30625 – Best By 06/2026
Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark
- Lot # 28525 – Best By 08/2026
- Lot # 29925 – Best By 08/2026
- Lot # 30625 – Best By 09/2026
Both products are sold in the same 5-ounce pouch size, which contributed to the confusion.
How the Mix-Up Happened
Silvestri Sweets attributed the error to a “temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging process.” This malfunction resulted in one variety being packaged in the other variety’s packaging, leading to the undeclared allergens appearing in the final product.
Contact Information
If you purchased either of the recalled Holiday Barks, you can reach Silvestri Sweets by phone at 1-630-232-2500. The company encourages consumers to dispose of the product safely or return it for a refund. No additional health incidents have been reported, but the company remains vigilant.
Key Takeaways
- Two Choceur Holiday Bark varieties are under recall due to undeclared pecan and wheat.
- No illnesses have been linked to the products yet, but the FDA warns of potential severe reactions.
- Consumers can discard the items or call Silvestri Sweets at 1-630-232-2500 for guidance.
Final Thoughts
The recall underscores the critical role of accurate labeling in the food industry, especially for products marketed during holiday seasons. While the company has taken swift action to correct the mistake, shoppers should remain attentive to packaging and ingredient lists. Silvestri Sweets’ prompt response and clear communication help ensure that consumers can protect themselves from unexpected allergens.
