Aldi has announced a nationwide expansion of its recall for Choceur brand Holiday Bark after undeclared allergens were found in the festive confectionery. The recall, initiated by manufacturer Silvestri Sweets Inc., affects two varieties of the product sold across Aldi stores in the United States. The alert has been classified as potentially life-threatening for those with food allergies. While no illnesses have been reported to date, the company has advised customers to discard any affected items immediately.
Expanded Recall Follows Packaging and Labelling Mix-up
Silvestri Sweets Inc. of Geneva, Illinois, has broadened its voluntary recall of 5-ounce Choceur Holiday Bark bags after discovering undeclared allergens in certain batches. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the issue concerns two varieties: Cookie Butter Holiday Bark and Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark. The Cookie Butter version may contain undeclared pecans, while the latter could include undeclared wheat.
The products were distributed nationally through Aldi grocery stores. The newly added lots under the expanded recall include Cookie Butter Holiday Bark with lot numbers 28525, 29925, and 30625, all with best-by dates in May or June 2026. The affected lots for Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark bear the same lot numbers, with best-by dates ranging from August to September 2026.
According to Silvestri Sweets, the expansion was initiated after it was discovered that some Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark had been inadvertently packaged in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark bags. This error led to the presence of undeclared pecans in products that did not list them as ingredients. Investigations indicate the mix-up resulted from a temporary breakdown in production and packaging processes.
No adverse reactions have been reported, but people with pecan or wheat allergies are urged not to consume the affected items. The company emphasised that the recall is voluntary and precautionary. Consumers with questions can reach Silvestri Sweets at 1-630-232-2500 during business hours or by email at [email protected].
FDA Outlines Role in Voluntary Recalls and Public Alerts
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reiterated that most product recalls in the United States are carried out voluntarily by the manufacturer. According to a statement shared with Newsweek in January, the FDA’s role during such events is to review the company’s recall strategy, assess the health hazard posed by the product, and ensure the public is adequately informed.
When a firm issues a public notice, usually through a press release, the FDA publishes the information on its website as a public service. The agency also monitors the recall’s progress and maintains a record of all actions taken in its Enforcement Report. This database provides an overview of products being recalled across the country, including details such as classification, reason for the withdraw, and the steps taken by the company.
The FDA’s public listing of recalls is intended to keep consumers and supply chain partners informed about potential risks. Food recalls remain a significant concern across the U.S., with undeclared allergens among the leading causes. The agency identifies nine major food allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, tree nuts, crustacean shellfish, and sesame.
Consumers who purchased the recalled Choceur Holiday Bark products are advised to dispose of them immediately and contact the manufacturer for further information. According to the FDA, the products’ removal from the market is designed to prevent potential allergic reactions and ensure public safety during the holiday season.
