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Holiday chocolate bark produced by Silvestri Sweets Inc. and distributed nationwide by Aldi has been recalled because it may contain "undeclared allergens"
Silvestri Sweets Inc. noted that the recall was initiated after it was discovered that its Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark had been packaged in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark packages and vice versa
Due to the mixup, those with pecan and wheat allergies may face a "serious or life-threatening allergic reaction" if they consume the products and are urged to throw them away
Holiday chocolate sold at Aldi stores across the U.S. have been recalled.
Silvestri Sweets Inc. announced a voluntary recall of its 5-ounce bags of Choceur-branded Holiday Barks sold at the stores, as it may contain "undeclared allergens," according to areleasefrom the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
Silvestri Sweets Inc. said the recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark had been packaged in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark packages and vice versa.
A subsequent investigation by the company indicated the problem may have been caused by a "temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging process."
Due to the mixup, the company said its Choceur-branded Cookie Butter Holiday Bark may contain undeclared pecans. This means that anyone who may be allergic to pecans could have a "serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products."
That product comes in a light blue packaging and shows a piece of the light-colored bark surrounded by holiday-inspired illustrations. At the top, the words, "Choceur Cookie Butter Holiday Bark" can be seen. The company noted that the bag had a best buy date of "05/2026," printed on the back.
The company also noted that its Choceur-branded Pecan, Cranberry and Cinnamon Holiday Bark may contain undeclared wheat, and those who are allergic to it could also run the risk of having a "serious or life-threatening allergic reaction" if they consume the product.
Those bags are a dark red color and have the words, "Choceur Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark," above a piece of light brown bark decorated with pecans and cranberries. The bag is framed with holiday decoration illustrations including pieces of cranberry and twigs. These bags have a best by date of "08/2026" printed on the back.
The company said that the products were distributed nationwide through Aldi grocery stores, and noted that as of Nov. 26, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this issue.
Customers who purchased the products are urged to discard them.
Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty
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A food allergy occurs when a person's immune system "reacts to otherwise harmless substances in certain foods," and can take place within a few minutes to hours after being exposed to the allergen, according to L.A. County'spublic health resource.
Symptoms of food allergies include rash or hives, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of different areas of the face, coughing or wheezing, dizziness, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. Food allergies cause 2,000 hospitalizations and 150 deaths in the U.S. annually, according to the county's health website.
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