If you’ve been on social media over the last year, there’s a good chance you know what a Dubai-style chocolate bar is. The chocolate and pistachio-flavored treat has gone viral over the years, and more food companies have begun making products that can help people re-create the bars at home. However, there’s been a nationwide recall issued for a Dubai chocolate-themed spread that you should definitely look into.
Dubai chocolate spreads are being pulled off shelves from the famous retailer, World Market, after the FDA announced there was a salmonella risk. The product, which contains chocolate and pistachio-flavored spreads and flaky kadayif pieces, like the famous chocolate bar, was sent to World Market locations in 32 states, and consumers are being advised to dispose of it as soon as possible. Read more about the recall below.
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The FDA Announces A Nationwide Recall Of Emek Spreads Due To A Salmonella Risk
On July 14th, the Food and Drug Administration as well as the grocery store brand World Market announced they were recalling containers of the Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif, a spread with flavors and products reminiscent of a Dubai-style chocolate bar, which contains chocolate, pistachio cream, and kadayif, which are small pieces of shredded philo dough.
The spreads recalled were all sold to World Market stores across the country and were all shipped in a lot with the batch number 250401. According to a statement from the FDA, the spreads had to be recalled "due to a potential contamination of Salmonella." Samples of the jars were collected and tested by the FDA, which tested positive for the dangerous bacteria. Yikes!
As written in their statement, "Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems."
"Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, which may be bloody, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain," they continued. "In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections."
What To Do If You Purchased A Recalled Jar Of Emek Spread
Although the recall is quite concerning, luckily, there have been no instances of illness reported to the FDA since the salmonella risk was announced. Still, it's good to ensure you know all of the details, especially if you're a fan of this spread or were looking forward to making some Dubai-style chocolate bars or other treats at home.
The recalled spreads were shipped across 32 states all across the country, from New Jersey to Texas, and from Washington to New Hampshire. Therefore, it's essential to be on the lookout, because there's a chance some jars of this spread ended up at a World Market or other grocery store near you.
According to the FDA statement, "the products were distributed between June 11th and July 9th, 2025."
"The product is packaged in a clear glass jar with the date code etched on the top of the lid," they continued.
Another way to look out for the recalled spreads is to check the expiration date, as the ones being taken off shelves are best before April 1st, 2027.
If you have an unopened jar of this spread in your home, and its details line up with the recalled lot, it's crucial that you dispose of it and not eat any of it. You can also take it back to the store you bought it from and ask for a refund. If you have eaten some, be sure to check in with yourself and look out for any symptoms of Salmonella listed above. Talk to your doctor if you experience them.
