ALDI has issued a nationwide recall of certain holiday sweets due to potential allergen contamination. The affected products include Choceur Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark and Choceur Cookie Butter Holiday Bark, both sourced from Silvestri Sweets Inc., based in Geneva, Illinois.
Details of the Recall
The recall is a result of packaging errors that have led to undeclared allergens in these products. Specifically, the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark was incorrectly packaged in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark containers, while the Cookie Butter variety was found in packages intended for the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark. This mistake has resulted in the potential presence of pecans and wheat, two significant allergens.
Why the Recall Matters
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is a requirement to disclose nine major food allergens in processed foods. These include:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Sesame
Tree nuts, such as pecans, can provoke serious allergic reactions, which is why their presence must be clearly labeled on packaging.
Health Risks
Allergist and physician Stephanie Kayode emphasizes that the increased availability of these nuts can pose risks for individuals with allergies. Accidental consumption could lead to anaphylaxis, a lifethreatening condition that causes severe immune reactions.
Customer Instructions
ALDI advises customers who may have purchased these holiday sweets to take immediate action. Consumers should dispose of the products or return them to local ALDI stores for a full refund.
Previous Recalls
This isn’t the first recall ALDI has announced this season. Last month, the retailer recalled Dairyfine Crispy Choc Um’s, a product resembling M&Ms, due to undeclared peanuts. This previous recall also stressed the importance of consumer safety and transparency regarding allergens.
As the holiday season approaches, ALDI is reminding shoppers of the importance of checking product labels and being cautious with allergenic ingredients in confectionery items.