A beloved Canadian chocolatier has issued a precautionary recall of select pistachio-containing chocolate products after one of its raw-ingredient suppliers reported a possible Salmonella contamination in a specific lot of pistachios. Peace by Chocolate — a Nova Scotia-based company known for its artisan chocolates — voluntarily pulled the products after being alerted to the issue, working with retail partners and Canadian food safety authorities to inform consumers.
What Triggered the Recall?
The recall stems from a supplier-level alert issued by Tootsi Impex Inc., a provider of pistachios used in various food products. The supplier’s notice identified potential contamination of a specific batch of pistachios with Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious illness. Although Peace by Chocolate’s own testing initially showed compliance with food safety requirements, the company ultimately chose to issue a voluntary, precautionary recall of finished products that included the affected pistachios in order to comply with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations.
Under CFIA classification, this recall is considered a Class II recall, meaning the products may pose a moderate risk of short-term or non-life-threatening health effects. Importantly, no illnesses linked to the recalled chocolates have been reported to Peace by Chocolate as of early January 2026.
Products Included in the Recall
The recall affects pistachio-containing chocolates sold within variety packs available through Costco Canada and other channels. The affected products — included in Small and Medium Bestsellers Boxes purchased online between Sept. 7 and Dec. 3, 2025 — are:
1. Our Classic Box — 15 assorted filled chocolates (160 g)
Affected lot codes and best-before dates:
- 25284 — 2026OC11
- 25297 — 2026OC24
- 25247 — 2026SE04
- 25251 — 2026SE08
- 25329 — 2026NO25
2. The Peace Maker Specialty Bars — The Harmony Bar (92 g)
Affected lot codes and best-before dates:
- 25245 — 2027FE28
- 25322 — 2027MA18
- 25300 — 2027AL22
- 25280 — 2027AL06
- 25281 — 2027AL06
Only the specific lot codes above are affected; other Peace by Chocolate products are not part of this recall.
Why Salmonella Is a Concern
Salmonella is a pathogenic bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness with symptoms that may appear 6–72 hours after exposure. Symptoms often include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
While healthy adults may recover without medical treatment, vulnerable populations — including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems — are at a higher risk of more serious complications, such as dehydration or bloodstream infections. Importantly, food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled, making vigilance essential.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who purchased Peace by Chocolate variety packs containing the recalled pistachio products should take immediate action:
- Do not consume any of the affected products matching the lot codes above.
- Check lot codes and best-before dates located on a white sticker on the packaging.
- Remove and dispose of the suspect products safely, or
- Contact Peace by Chocolate for a refund or online store credit by emailing [email protected].
- If you purchased through Costco.ca, you may also be eligible for a refund via Costco Canada.
Even if the products appear and smell normal, they should not be consumed. If you have already eaten the product and develop symptoms associated with Salmonella infection, consult a healthcare provider, especially if symptoms are severe or prolonged.
Company Response and Food Safety Practices
Peace by Chocolate emphasized that the recall is not related to the company’s manufacturing practices or safety controls. The company operates in an SQF-certified facility and maintains robust traceability and quality assurance measures. The recall was initiated simply because the pistachio supplier’s recall required downstream action on finished products that incorporated the potentially affected nuts. Peace by Chocolate is cooperating with the CFIA and has placed relevant inventory on hold to prevent further distribution.
Final Word
While no illness has been reported, this recall highlights how contamination risks at any point in the food supply chain — even at the raw ingredient level — can affect finished products. Consumers should take recall notices seriously, especially when they involve bacteria like Salmonella that can cause significant health problems even in otherwise healthy individuals.
