The Palmer Candy Company, based in Sioux City, Iowa, has issued a recall for its ‘White Coated Confectionery Items’ due to a potential risk of salmonella contamination. The recall was announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 6. The company was alerted to the potential risk by its liquid coating supplier, who identified a possible contamination in one of their ingredients.
The FDA has classified the recall as a “Class I” recall, which is the highest risk level. This classification is used when there is a reasonable probability that exposure to a product will result in serious adverse health consequences or death. Despite the severity of the classification, the FDA has not reported any illnesses or injuries related to the recalled products.
The recalled items include a variety of pretzels, cookies, and snack mixes. These products were sold across the United States at several major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Dollar General. Additionally, the Palmer Candy Company’s products were distributed in numerous states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Since the initial recall announcement in May, the Palmer Candy Company has halted production of the affected products. Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. The bacteria live in the intestinal tracts of both humans and animals and can be contracted through contaminated water or food.
While some individuals with salmonella infections may not exhibit any symptoms, most experience gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea and stomach cramps. The Mayo Clinic notes that most healthy individuals recover within a few days to a week without specific treatment. However, the risks are higher among the elderly and young children. Severe diarrhea caused by salmonella can lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening. Individuals with symptoms that persist for more than a few days or who experience a high fever should seek medical attention.