Silvestri Sweets Inc., headquartered in Geneva, Illinois, is in the process of expanding a recall of some of its Choceur-branded Holiday Bark due to the presence of undeclared pecan and wheat allergens. The expansion of the recall is after a previous voluntary recall and involves more lot numbers and best-by dates.
Why Silvestri Sweets, Inc. is Expanding Recall of Holiday Bark
Silvestri Sweets, Inc. manufactures various chocolates and other sweet products. Products are sold under private-label brands in major grocery chains. For instance, Choceur is a private-label brand of chocolate and confectionery products commonly sold at Aldi grocery stores.
The brand also offers an assortment of sweet products, including holiday bark and pralines, as well as seasonal collections for everyday indulgence to consumers. Earlier in November, a voluntary recall was issued for two Holiday Bark varieties of the brand due to undeclared allergens on the label.
5-oz stand-up pouch bags of Choceur Cookie Butter and Pecan, Cranberry, & Cinnamon Holiday Bark were recalled due to a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging process. Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark was packed in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark packages, resulting in undeclared pecan.
Similarly, Cookie Butter Holiday Bark was packed in Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark packages, leading to a product with undeclared wheat. Now, on December 22, the company has expanded the recall, adding more lot numbers to the previous ones.
Additional Lot Numbers for Recalled Holiday Bark
The Choceur-branded Holiday Bark was sold to consumers at Aldi stores nationwide. Here are the lot numbers and best-by dates of both the recalled chocolate varieties:
| Product Name | Product Weight | Lot no. and Best-by Dates |
| Cookie Butter Holiday Bark | 5 oz |
|
| Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark | 5 oz |
|
Symptoms of Pecan and Wheat Allergy
Though no cases of illness have been reported so far, the allergic reactions to pecans and wheat can be of different severity. Common symptoms may include:
- Skin rash
- Sensation of itching or tingling in the mouth
- Swelling of throat, lips, face, tongue
- Breathing difficulty or wheezing
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
In more extreme cases, the allergic effect may result in anaphylaxis, a fast-acting, possibly life-threatening response, which needs quick medical response.
People who are allergic to pecans, wheat, or other tree nuts are urged not to consume the recalled products. In case of symptoms, after exposure, it is necessary to seek medical assistance.
What’s Next
Consumers allergic to pecans or wheat are strongly advised to carefully read the packaging, including the mentioned lot numbers and expiry dates, and take necessary precautions to prevent unintentional exposure.
Individuals with the product can discard it, and for any queries, the company can be contacted at 1-630-232-2500.
The recall case of Silvestri Sweets, Inc. highlights the relevance of proper labeling and quality provisions in food manufacturing, particularly the production of foodstuffs that have possible allergens.
