Candies sold at Walmart, Target, Dollar General and other stores in the United States have been recalled due to the risk of salmonella poisoning.
“The Palmer Candy Company of Sioux City, Iowa, is recalling its ‘White Coated Confectionery Items’ because they may be contaminated with Salmonellaan organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” the FDA said in a May 6 statement on its website.
“Palmer Candy has been informed by its liquid coating supplier that there is a possible contamination with Salmonella from an ingredient that may have been contaminated by one of their suppliers,” they said.
The recall was classified as a “Class I” recall – the highest risk level – on August 6.
A “Class I” recall is “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to a noncompliant product will cause serious health consequences or death,” the FDA’s website states.
Despite the classification, no injuries or illnesses have occurred in connection with the products, the FDA found.
The recalled products included pretzels, cookies and “snack mixes,” the press release said.
The products were sold at various retailers across the U.S., including Walmart, HyVee, Target and Dollar General, the FDA said.
In addition, Palmer Candy Company products were sold by dealers in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming, it said.
Since the first recall announcement in May, Palmer Candy Company has stopped producing the affected products, according to the FDA press release.
A salmonella infection, or “salmonellosis,” is “a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract,” according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals. People usually become infected with salmonella through water or food that is contaminated with the bacteria.
While some people with a salmonella infection do not experience any symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, most sufferers experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and stomach cramps.
“Most healthy people recover within a few days to a week without special treatment,” says the Mayo Clinic. However, the risk is higher for older people and young children.
Diarrhea caused by salmonella can lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening, it was said.
A person with salmonella should see a doctor if their symptoms have not improved after more than a few days or if they have a high fever, the Mayo Clinic said.
FOX Business has reached out to Palmer Candy Company for comment.
