Candy trays distributed to 242 grocery stores across eight states have been recalled because they may have been poisoned with Salmonella bacteria. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Hy-Vee, Inc., headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, issued the recall after Palmer Candy Company initiated a limited recall of some chocolate products after it was alerted by its supplier, Valley Milk Products LLC, that a milk powder ingredient in the chocolate might have been contaminated with Salmonella.
Salmonella bacteria is a very dangerous bacteria that causes food poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that it causes 1.2 million cases of food poisoning in the United States each year. Approximately 450 of these cases are fatal.
The recalled candy trays, consisting of a plastic container with a clear lid, were produced and distributed between October 20, 2016 and December 9, 2016 to grocery stores, convenience stores, and whole customers in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The sell-by dates of these packages range between January 26, 2017 and February 23, 2017.
Consumers should either dispose of these candy trays or return them to the store for a refund. The following products have been recalled: 1) Chocolate Almond Bark in 4-ounce and 12-ounce packages (UPC: 026133400000 and 026133300000); 2) Chocolate Almond Pretzels in 4-ounce and 12-ounce packages (UPC: 026131900000 and 026131800000); 3) Crème De Menthe Almond Bark, 12-ounce package (UPC: 026266300000); 4) Dazzled Peanut Brittle, 12-ounce and Dazzled Peanut Brittle Tub, 8-ounce (UPC: 026267400000 and 026267300000); 5) Holiday Candy Tray in 10” / 16-ounce, 12” / 32-ounce, 16” / 48-ounce, and 18” / 64-ounce packages (UPC: 026139100000, 026139300000, 026139500000, 026139700000); 6) Peppermint Bark in 4-ounce and 12-ounce packages (UPC: 026133800000, 026133700000); 7) Peppermint Bark Tub, 9-ounce (UPC: 026267900000); 8) Candy Trays in 9” / 16-ounce, 12” / 32-ounce, and 16” / 48-ounce packages (UPC: 026138000000, 026138100000, 026138200000); and 9) Cookie & Candy Trays in 9” / 16-ounce, 12” / 32-ounce, and 16” / 48-ounce packages (UPC: 026138600000, 026138700000, 026138800000).
