TreeHouse Foods Recalls Chocolate Pudding Over Swollen Cans and Microbial Risk

• Date Issued: April 30, 2025
• Company: TreeHouse Foods (Oak Brook, IL)
• Products Affected:
  • Sysco Classic Chocolate Pudding
  • Bay Valley Foods Thank You Chocolate Pudding
• Issue: Post-processing container damage may lead to microbial growth
• Details: 7 lb #10 metal cans – over 2,700 cases distributed to 14 states
• Action Required: Do not consume, sell, or distribute these products.

Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading.

What Happened?

On April 30, 2025, TreeHouse Foods issued a Class II recall for two of its chocolate pudding products after discovering that post-processing damage to containers could allow microbial contamination to occur. The damage to the cans can cause swelling or, in extreme cases, rupture, which is a serious safety concern for foodservice distributors and institutional buyers.

The company found the issue during internal quality control checks. While no illnesses have been reported to date, the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness led to the immediate recall.

Affected Product Table:

Brand	Product Name	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Sysco Classic	Chocolate Pudding	7 lb #10 can	074865103817	08B03175	Swollen cans, microbial growth risk
Bay Valley Foods	Thank You Chocolate Pudding	7 lb #10 can	041820062205	08B03175	Swollen cans, microbial growth risk

What Caused the Issue?

The root cause of this recall is post-processing damage to the metal cans after the chocolate pudding was sealed and cooked. This damage compromises the container’s integrity, allowing air and bacteria to enter, which can result in microbial growth inside the cans. This microbial contamination can cause the cans to swell or even burst, posing a risk to consumers.

Why is Post-Processing Container Damage Dangerous?

• Damaged cans allow microbes such as bacteria and mold to multiply inside the product.
  
• Microbial growth may lead to foodborne illnesses if consumed.
  
• Symptoms of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
  
• People with weakened immune systems, young children, elderly individuals, and pregnant women are especially at risk.

Who is at Risk?

• Foodservice distributors and institutional buyers who handle bulk pudding.
  
• Consumers who may unknowingly purchase or consume the recalled product.
  
• Vulnerable groups, including immunocompromised individuals and young children.

10 Common Customer Questions You Might Have

1. Q: How can I tell if my pudding can is affected?
   A: Check the UPC and batch code. Also, inspect for swollen or damaged cans. Any signs of bulging or leakage indicate a problem.
   
2. Q: What should I do if I have the recalled pudding?
   A: Do not consume or serve it. Remove it from inventory and contact your supplier or TreeHouse Foods for return instructions.
   
3. Q: Has anyone gotten sick from this pudding?
   A: As of now, there have been no reported illnesses linked to this recall.
   
4. Q: What symptoms should I watch for after eating this pudding?
   A: Look for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. If symptoms appear, seek medical attention promptly.
   
5. Q: Can I just throw the pudding away?
   A: Yes, but follow your company’s waste disposal guidelines and notify your supplier.
   
6. Q: Are all TreeHouse pudding products affected?
   A: No, only the specific batches listed with the UPCs and codes are recalled.
   
7. Q: Where was the pudding distributed?
   A: The products were distributed to 14 states including Arizona, California, Illinois, Texas, and others.
   
8. Q: Is this a widespread issue across all pudding brands?
   A: This recall is specific to TreeHouse Foods’ products due to container damage discovered post-processing.
   
9. Q: How can companies prevent this type of problem?
   A: By implementing strict post-processing inspections and damage detection systems.
   
10. Q: Where can I get more information about this recall?
    A: Visit the FDA recall page or contact TreeHouse Foods directly for official updates.

Here’s What You Should Do

If you have this pudding in stock, take these steps:

• Check cans for the UPCs and batch codes listed above.
• Inspect cans carefully for swelling, dents, or damage.
• Remove any affected cans from sale or service immediately.
• Contact TreeHouse Foods or your distributor for guidance on returns or disposal.

Visit the official FDA recall page for the most up-to-date information.

Behind the Brand

TreeHouse Foods, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of private label food products for foodservice and retail sectors nationwide. Known for its wide portfolio, TreeHouse is committed to food safety and quality.

While this recall is unfortunate, it is not the first time TreeHouse has faced product recalls. Recent recalls due to labeling and container issues highlight the ongoing challenge of ensuring product integrity in large-scale food manufacturing.

Links to related recalls:

• On May 23, 2025, the Pepsi Beverages Company voluntarily recalled over 19,000 cases of Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar after discovering the soda inside the cans wasn’t quite so “zero” after all. 
• On June 6, 2025, the FDA published a recall alert from August Egg Company, recalling 1.7 million dozen brown shell eggs due to potential contamination with Salmonella enteritidis.
• Sulu Organics LLC issued a recall of 6,166 pounds of pork lard and beef tallow products after it was discovered the items were produced without federal inspection—a serious compliance no-no. 
• Hostess recalls Ding Dongs over mold

Ensuring Safe Eats

This recall highlights an important industry lesson: Packaging integrity is as critical as the product itself. For wholesalers, importers, and foodservice providers, managing recalls swiftly and effectively protects consumers and preserves brand trust.

Manufacturers should invest in robust inspection protocols and damage prevention systems to avoid microbial contamination risks post-processing. At the same time, buyers and distributors must stay vigilant and act immediately when a recall is announced.

If you have this pudding in your inventory, remember: Don’t serve it, don’t sell it, and contact your supplier. For help navigating recalls or sourcing reliable ingredients with top safety compliance, connect with our team. We’re here to keep your supply chain smooth and your customers safe.