A popular chocolate spread that recently went viral on social media is now being pulled from store shelves over concerns it may be contaminated with salmonella. If you bought this spread from World Market anytime between June 11 and July 9, you will want to check your pantry right away. Here is what you need to know, including which states are affected, how to identify the product, and what to do next.
Which chocolate spread was recalled and why?
The product in question is the Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif, sold under the label “Dubai”. You may recognize it from viral TikTok videos showing the pistachio and kadayif combination that took off earlier this year. It was sold at World Market locations in 32 states across the U.S. The spread comes in a clear glass jar with a green lid. The best by date is printed as April 1, 2027 on the lid.
The recall was issued after routine testing found traces of salmonella in samples of the product, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At this time, no illnesses have been reported, but the FDA is urging people not to take chances.
Which states sold the recalled chocolate spread?
If you live in any of the following states, you may have purchased this recalled spread. Here is the full list of affected states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
If you bought the chocolate spread at a World Market store in one of these states between June 11 and July 9, your product may be part of the recall.
What does salmonella infection feel like?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness if consumed. It is one of the most common causes of foodborne sickness in the United States.
According to Mayo Clinic, most people who get infected with salmonella will start noticing symptoms within 8 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food.
Here are the most common signs to look out for:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Headache
- Bloody stool
For most healthy people, symptoms go away on their own in a few days to a week. But for infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, salmonella can sometimes lead to severe complications, including bloodstream infections and typhoid fever.
What should you do if you have the recalled product?
If you have the Emek Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif in your kitchen, here is what the FDA recommends:
- Do not eat it, even if it looks and smells fine.
- Throw it away or return it to any World Market location for a full refund.
- If you already ate the spread and start feeling unwell, it is best to contact your doctor, especially if you are in a high-risk group.
You do not need a receipt to return the product for a refund.
How to stay informed about food recalls
Food recalls like this one happen more often than many people realize. One of the best ways to stay informed is to:
- Sign up for FDA recall alerts through their website.
- Check product labels and best-by dates, especially when you hear about trending food items on social media.
- Follow World Market or similar retailers for recall notices.
It only takes a minute to double-check your pantry, and doing so could protect your health or someone in your household.
