Due to concerns about possible contamination with deadly bacteria, health officials have urgently ramped up a recall of popular candies sold in Walmart stores across the United States.
Iowa-based Palmer Candy Company voluntarily recalled its white coated confectionary items in early May after determining that they may be contaminated with salmonella, a foodborne illness that sickens 1.3 million Americans each year.
Now health authorities have increased the severity of the recall in May and upgraded it to Class I on August 6 – the most serious category of product recall.
According to the FDA, a Class I recall is a “situation in which there is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to a noncompliant product will result in serious health consequences or death.”
The FDA said the affected products – mixes of snacks such as pretzels, cookies, popcorn and chocolate – were sold in Walmart, HyVee, Target and Dollar General stores nationwide.
They were also sent to dealers in the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The FDA stated that there have been no reported injuries or illnesses associated with the products.
The potentially harmful sweets are coated with a white-looking layer of sugar and are offered in different packaging such as bags, pouches and cups.
The affected candies were sold under brand names such as Palmer Candy, Great Value, Casey’s and Every True Tiger – a brand of the University of Missouri.
Palmer Candy was alerted to the potential danger by its liquid coating supplier, who advised that the products could potentially be contaminated with salmonella.
“The Palmer Candy Company of Sioux City, Iowa, is recalling its White Coated Confectionary Items because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. These organisms can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” the FDA announced in May.
The products were sold under various brand names, including Walmart’s Great Value
Salmonella is caused by eating food contaminated with animal feces. According to the CDC, it typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that begin six hours to six days after initial infection.
Most people recover within a few days, but the disease is responsible for over 26,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths each year.
Production has been halted while the FDA and Palmer Candy investigate.
Consumers who have purchased Palmer Candy Company white coated candy are asked to return the items to the place of purchase for a full refund.
