FDA Issues Highest-Risk Recall for Dubai Chocolate Spread Due to Salmonella Concerns
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled a popular Dubai-style chocolate spread nationwide after it tested positive for Salmonella. The agency issued a Class I alert, the highest risk level.
What Product Was Recalled?
The recalled product, Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif, combines milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and crispy kataifi (kunafa). The affected batch carries code 250401 and a Best Before date of April 1, 2027.
Distributors shipped it between June 11 and July 9, 2025, mainly through World Market locations in 32 states, including Illinois.
Why It Was Recalled
The FDA found Salmonella in 3 out of 24 bundles of the spread during routine testing at the importer’s U.S. warehouse. Although no illnesses have been reported so far, the agency issued a Class I recall, signaling a serious health risk.
According to the FDA, Class I recalls apply to situations where exposure to a product could lead to severe health consequences or death, particularly in young children, seniors, or immunocompromised individuals.
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Symptoms of Salmonella
Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella may experience:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Abdominal cramps
In rare cases, the infection can lead to more severe conditions, including:
- Bloodstream infections
- Arterial infections
- Endocarditis
- Reactive arthritis
What You Should Do
Consumers are strongly advised not to consume the recalled spread. Instead:
- Return the item to the place of purchase for a refund
- Or safely dispose of the product
You can find the batch code on the plastic lid of the jar. Emek Gıda, a Turkish company, distributed only this specific affected batch in the U.S. Products sold in other countries are not part of the recall.
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The Viral Backstory
The spread is a variation of the viral “Dubai chocolate” bar that rose to fame on TikTok in 2024. Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai originally created the spread. Founder Sarah Hamouda developed it with Filipino dessert chef Nouel Catis. Emek Gıda’s version gained popularity in U.S. specialty stores, riding the wave of global demand for Middle Eastern dessert hybrids.
The FDA continues to investigate the incident along with Emek Gıda, which said it is conducting a comprehensive supply chain review covering production, logistics, and storage.
Have you tried the viral Dubai chocolate spread yet—or are you now thinking twice before grabbing a jar?
More…
- https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/dubai-chocolate-spread-recalled-due-to-concerns-of-salmonella-contamination/3793208
- https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/lifestyle/dubai-chocolate-bar-recalled-b2791967.html
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/dubai-chocolate-spread-recalled-fda-warning
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