Food recalls are a fact of life. Every week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues recalls related to allergens, bacterial contamination, and even the presence of plastic or glass shards in products.
In just the last month, there have been more than a dozen food recalls because of possible foodborne illness related to dangerous contaminations with listeria and salmonella, according to the FDA:
- Haifa Cold Smoked Salmon and Cold Smoked Seabass were recalled on September 17, 2025, for potential contamination with listeria.
- Deep Frozen Fruits and Vegetables were recalled on September 10, 2025, for contamination with salmonella.
- Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op and Sunrise Creamery products were recalled on September 8, 2025, for potential contamination with listeria.
- Endico Frozen Peas and Carrots Mixed Vegetables were recalled on September 4, 2025, for potential contamination with listeria.
- Country Eggs, Nijiya Golden Yolk eggs were recalled on August 27, 2025, for potential contamination with salmonella.
Now we can add a version of the global-sensation sweet treat that once captivated TikTok feeds to the list of Costco’s recent recalls.
Image source: Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images
The rise of the Dubai chocolate bar
The Dubai chocolate bar, known for its vibrant green pistachio filling and crunchy knafeh center, took the internet by storm. However, recent developments have added a bittersweet twist to the confectionery phenomenon.
Originally created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, the chocolate bar features a milk chocolate shell filled with a creamy pistachio-tahini mixture and crunchy kadayif pastry. Its unique texture and striking green color quickly caught the attention of social media users.
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The origin story goes back to December 2023, when TikTok influencer @mariavehera257 posted a video of herself enjoying the treat. Her video drew millions of views and ignited a global craving for the dessert.
The bar’s popularity led to widespread imitation, with various brands attempting to replicate its distinctive flavor and appearance. Notably, Lindt introduced a Dubai-style chocolate bar in Australia, which, despite premium ingredients, faced criticism over its high price point.
Trader Joe’s jumped on the bandwagon, and so did Costco.
Costco’s recall of the Dubai chocolate
Costco (COST) has now issued a recall for a batch of Dubai chocolate bars sold in its U.S. stores. The recall was prompted by allergen labeling concerns.
Costco issued a letter advising customers who purchased the affected products to return them to their local Costco for a full refund.
What’s being recalled:
- Product Name: Rolling Pin Dubai Style Chocolate
- Item Number (Costco): #1932972
- When sold: Between May 1 and August 29, 2025
Why Costco’s Dubai chocolate product is being recalled
The chocolate bar product is being recalled by Costco and not by the FDA. The reasons for the recall include:
- The allergen labeling is incorrect: The packaging lists “gluten” as an allergen, but it should specify “wheat.”
- For people with wheat allergies, this is potentially dangerous, because “wheat” is one of the major food allergens.
- The product does list ingredients that include wheat-containing components (like kunafa/kadayif pastry), but the specific allergen “wheat” is not clearly stated.
- Costco urged customers to call the product’s manufacturer, Rolling Pin, at 833-331-2993 if they have questions or concerns.
“Undeclared food allergens are the number one leading cause of Class I food recalls for at least the last three years. Consumers deserve to know exactly what they are buying to eat and to trust that the product labels clearly list all major food allergens,” said William A. Correll Jr., Director, Office of Compliance for Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA.”
This recall highlights the challenges of scaling artisanal treats for mass distribution. While the Dubai chocolate bar’s viral status has boosted demand, incidents like this underscore the importance of stringent food safety oversight in the global supply chain.
The Dubai chocolate bar’s journey from a local delicacy to a worldwide sensation highlights the power of social media in shaping food trends. The candy’s success also inspired interest in pistachio-based desserts, including pistachio-flavored ice creams and knafeh-inspired pastries.
Related: Costco makes a major same-day delivery change
