The Palmer Candy Company, an Iowa-based confectionery manufacturer, has initiated a recall of its ‘White Coated Confectionery Items’ due to a potential salmonella contamination risk. The recall, announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 6, came after the company’s liquid coating supplier identified a possible contamination in one of their ingredients.
The FDA has categorized this recall as a “Class I” recall, the most severe level of risk. This category is applied when there is a reasonable likelihood that exposure to a product could result in serious health consequences or even death. However, despite the high-risk classification, the FDA has not reported any illnesses or injuries associated with the recalled products.
The recall affects a range of products, including various pretzels, cookies, and snack mixes. These items were sold nationwide at several major retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and Dollar General. Furthermore, the Palmer Candy Company’s products were distributed in a number of 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 recall announcement in May, the Palmer Candy Company has ceased production of the affected items. Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, is a common bacterial disease that impacts the intestinal tract. The bacteria reside in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals and can be transmitted through contaminated water or food.
While some people with salmonella infections may not show any symptoms, most suffer from gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea and stomach cramps. According to the Mayo Clinic, most healthy individuals recover within a few days to a week without specific treatment. However, the risks are higher for 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.