Costco shoppers who recently purchased certain chocolate products through the retailer's website should check their orders. Peace By Chocolate has announced a voluntary recall affecting specific items sold online, stemming from concerns about potential Salmonella contamination in one of the ingredients.
The recall was triggered after Tootsi Impex Inc., a supplier providing ingredients to Peace By Chocolate, initiated a recall for a particular batch of pistachios. The supplier discovered the possibility of Salmonella contamination in the affected lot, prompting Peace By Chocolate to take precautionary measures with products containing these pistachios.
Which Products Are Affected
The recall specifically targets two chocolate assortments sold exclusively through Costco's Canadian website. The Peace by Chocolate Small Bestsellers Box, carrying Costco item number 1949347, is among the affected products. Additionally, the Peace by Chocolate Medium Bestsellers Box, identified as Costco item number 1949350, falls under the recall notice.
Both products contain pistachio as an ingredient, which is why they're part of this precautionary action. The company emphasizes that this recall applies only to these specific items containing pistachios from the affected supplier lot.
Timeline and Sales Information
According to the recall notice published on Costco's website, the affected chocolate boxes were available for purchase on Costco.ca during a three-month window. Sales of these products occurred between September 7 and December 3, 2025. Anyone who bought these items during this timeframe should take note of the recall.
The relatively long sales period means a significant number of customers may have purchased these products. The recall affects only items sold through the online platform, not those available in physical warehouse locations.
Understanding the Salmonella Risk
Salmonella is a bacterial organism that can cause serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations. While Peace By Chocolate characterizes this as a precautionary recall, the potential presence of Salmonella in food products is taken seriously by health authorities and food manufacturers alike.
The company's decision to issue a voluntary recall demonstrates a proactive approach to consumer safety. Rather than waiting for confirmed contamination or reports of illness, Peace By Chocolate chose to recall products as soon as they learned about the ingredient supplier's concerns.
What Customers Should Do
Costco and Peace By Chocolate are offering refunds for the affected products. Customers who purchased either the Small or Medium Bestsellers Box during the specified timeframe can return the products for a full refund.
The recall notice advises customers not to consume the affected chocolate products. Even though this is a precautionary measure and actual contamination hasn't been confirmed in the finished products, the recommendation is clear: don't take the risk.
For those who have already consumed the products without incident, there's no need for immediate concern. However, anyone experiencing symptoms after eating the recalled chocolates should consult with a healthcare provider. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, typically appearing between six hours and six days after exposure.
The Bigger Picture on Food Safety
This recall highlights the complex supply chain involved in food production. A single ingredient from one supplier can affect finished products from multiple manufacturers. When Tootsi Impex Inc. identified the potential issue with their pistachio lot, it set off a chain reaction requiring Peace By Chocolate to trace which of their products contained the affected ingredient.
Food recalls, while inconvenient, serve an important public health function. They demonstrate that monitoring systems are working and that companies are willing to take financial hits to protect consumers. The voluntary nature of this recall suggests Peace By Chocolate is prioritizing customer safety over potential losses.
For regular Costco shoppers, this serves as a reminder to keep receipts and stay informed about product recalls. The warehouse retailer maintains a dedicated section on its website for recall notices, making it easier for members to check whether any of their recent purchases are affected.
The Peace By Chocolate Brand
Peace By Chocolate is a company with an interesting background. Founded by a Syrian refugee family that relocated to Canada, the business has built a reputation for quality chocolate products. The company's story of resilience and entrepreneurship has resonated with many Canadians, making their products popular choices at retailers like Costco.
This recall doesn't reflect negligence on the company's part but rather their commitment to transparency and customer safety. By acting quickly on information from their ingredient supplier, they're following established food safety protocols designed to protect consumers.
Moving Forward
Customers affected by this recall should contact Costco customer service or refer to the information provided in the recall notice posted on the Costco website. The refund process is straightforward, and customers don't need to provide extensive documentation beyond proof of purchase, which Costco typically has on file for online orders.
For those who enjoy Peace By Chocolate products, this recall shouldn't diminish confidence in the brand's overall quality. Food safety incidents can happen to any manufacturer, regardless of size or reputation. What matters most is how quickly and thoroughly companies respond when potential issues arise.
The recall underscores the importance of ingredient traceability in food production. When suppliers can quickly identify problematic lots and communicate with their customers, manufacturers can respond swiftly to protect end consumers. This system, while not perfect, helps prevent widespread foodborne illness outbreaks.
As always, consumers should stay vigilant about food recalls and take them seriously. Checking recall notices regularly, especially after making purchases from major retailers, is a smart practice. Most large retailers, including Costco, make this information readily accessible on their websites and will often reach out directly to affected customers when possible.
Anyone with questions about the recall can reach out to Peace By Chocolate or Costco customer service for additional information. The companies are prepared to address concerns and process refunds efficiently for affected customers.
