More than three dozen snack products sold under numerous brand names are being recalled due to fears that one of their ingredients could be contaminated with the potentially deadly bacterium salmonella. Here’s what you need to know about the snacks recall.
What’s happened?
Beginning last month, a company called California Dairies Inc. recalled buttermilk and bulk powdered milk distributed to manufacturers over fears that the ingredients could be contaminated with salmonella, according to a safety alert posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Since that initial recall, numerous other brands have recalled their own products that used the recalled ingredients.
Given the potentially deadly nature of salmonella, the FDA has now compiled all recalled products into a single list to highlight their risk to consumers.
The list of products primarily contains snack items that were sold at various locations across the United States, including one product that was sold in Target stores.
Fast Company has reached out to California Dairies for comment.
What products are included in the recalls?
The number of recalls associated with the original California Dairies recall now totals eight, according to a May 11 update from the FDA. Those eight recalls include the following:
- Williams Sonoma, Fireworks Popcorn (White cheddar seasoning)
- Stoltzfus Family Dairy (Sour cream and onion cheese curds)
- Wildlife Seasoning (Flavored popcorn seasoning)
- Giant Eagle (Pita chips with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs)
- Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, Squirrel Brand, Good & Gather (Snack mixes)
- Pork King Good (Pork rinds and seasoning bottles)
- Zapp’s, Dirty (Potato chips)
- Ghirardelli (Powdered beverage mix)
The recalled snack item sold at Target is a Good & Gather Mexican Street Corn Trail Mix product.
What are the symptoms of salmonella?
Symptoms of a salmonella infection can vary from individual to individual. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people who contract a salmonella infection present with the following symptoms:
- Watery diarrhea that might have blood or mucus
- Stomach cramps that can be severe
Additionally, some people have other symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms can start anywhere from six hours to six days after infection.
The FDA notes that most people will recover from a salmonella infection without treatment in four to seven days. However, an infection can sometimes be fatal.
Those most at risk include the elderly, children younger than 5, those who are pregnant, and those with weakened immune systems.
What should I do if I have a recalled product?
Consumers are urged to read the full recall notices to check the items listed against the ones they may have purchased.
Instructions on what to do if you have the recalled items can be found in their individual notices.