It's a classic dessert we all know and love, but the possibility of "exploding containers" has cause for concern.
More Than 16,000 Chocolate Snacks Have Been Recalled in 15 States
Updated on Jun. 04, 2025
School lunches might be on pause for a few months as children embrace the freedom of summer, but the quest for easy, convenient treats never ceases for busy parents. Pudding is a favorite across generations, serving as a go-to snack to appease hungry little ones or a gentle indulgence for those who steer clear of ice cream due to teeth sensitivities.
But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public Monday to a recall of 2,743 total cases of Sysco Classic and Bay Valley Foods Thank You chocolate puddings.
Anyone familiar with the service industry is likely aware of the name Sysco, which supplies a wide variety of products to restaurants, healthcare facilities, and schools across the country. The company is the “world’s global foodservice leader,” according to its website. Meanwhile, Bay Valley Foods appears to produce only pudding and powdered desserts.
The FDA list a rather surprising reason for the recall: “Post process damage to containers, potential for microbial growth, swollen [and/or] exploding containers.”
Though the agency’s report did not provide further specifics, food containers that “appear damaged or bulging” can be signs of foodborne botulism, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, it’s not confirmed if that is indeed the case with this particular recall.
The recalled products were distributed in 15 states, says the FDA report: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The following details were also provided:
- Sysco Classic chocolate pudding
- 7 pounds (lbs.) #10 metal can
- UPC 074865103817
- 6 cans per case
- Bay Valley Foods Thank You chocolate pudding
- 7 pounds (lbs.) #10 metal can
- UPC 041820062205
- 6 cans per case
In total, the report seems to indicate 16,458 cans have been recalled.
The FDA did not share any expiration dates. It also did not clearly state how many cases of each type of pudding are affected.
As of Monday, the recall is listed as a Class II risk, meaning the products “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.”
Though the FDA shared details this week, the recalling firm, Treehouse Foods, apparently first initiated the voluntary recall on April 30. Treehouse Foods is a food company based in Oak Brook, Illinois, and according to its website, it distributes products to grocery markets, warehouse stores, and online retailers all over North America.
Given that the pudding was distributed in 7-pound cans, it seems likely they were distributed to restaurants, cafeterias, or similar establishments.
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