UAE markets free of Salmonella-contaminated pistachio spread

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in coordination with local regulatory authorities, has confirmed that the product ‘Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream With Kadayef’ under the Emek brand, which is manufactured outside the UAE, is not available in local markets. The product has been marketed as a chocolate inspired by the flavors of Dubai Chocolate.

The ministry clarified that the widely known and available Dubai Chocolate products sold in the UAE are free from any Salmonella contamination. This clarification follows a statement issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which confirmed that the affected product is limited to US markets.

The ministry emphasized that the warning refers to a product being marketed under the Dubai Chocolate label, stressing that this product — manufactured abroad — is merely inspired by the distinctive flavours associated with the original Dubai Chocolate, a name commonly referring to the products of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, a Dubai-based brand known for its luxurious chocolates infused with flavors inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. These products are subject to the highest safety and quality standards.

The ministry reiterated its ongoing commitment to monitoring food safety and protecting public health, in coordination with all relevant authorities.

FDA notice

An American retail company had recently recalled a batch of Dubai Chocolate due to concerns over possible Salmonella contamination. The FDA published the recall notice and upgraded its risk level to Class I — the most serious classification.

According to the FDA notice, the company World Market recalled the ‘Emek Spread Pistachio CaCao Cream With Kadayef’ product due to possible Salmonella contamination. The affected items were distributed between June 11 and July 9, 2025. The recall was initiated after product samples tested positive for Salmonella during routine FDA inspections.

The recall was first issued on July 14 and was escalated to a Class I recall three days later, as reported by Newsweek magazine.

Salmonella is a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, infections — particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the American company’s statement, healthy individuals infected with Salmonella may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

The statement added: “In rare cases, the infection may spread to the bloodstream and lead to more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (e.g., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, or arthritis.”

Although the recall was prompted by positive test results for Salmonella, no illnesses have been reported to date.

Dubai Chocolate, a pistachio and kadayef-filled chocolate bar, gained viral popularity on TikTok in 2024. The original chocolate bar was created by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai but has since been replicated and modified by various brands, including Emek Gıda, whose product was affected by the current recall.

FIX Dessert Chocolatier, a dessert brand founded in Dubai by Sara Hammouda, originated the pistachio-kadayef chocolate bar concept. Renowned Filipino pastry chef Noel Katis was brought on board by FIX to help develop the bar, which has since seen widespread popularity.

Last month, the UK’s Food Standards Agency reported that certain Dubai-style chocolates sold in UK retail markets may not comply with national standards and could contain banned additives or colorants.