Healthy Nut Factory of Bayside, New York is recalling Organic Coconut Smiles because it may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to date related to this specific product, but the FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium that is linked to dried coconut.
Testing by the FDA found Salmonella that matches the outbreak strain in a retail package distributed by the company’s supplier, International Harvest. International Harvest and Vitamin Cottage Natural Foods Market have recalled dried coconut in the past few weeks in connection with this outbreak that has sickened at least 13 people in 5 states.
The 7 ounce pouches of Organic Coconut Smiles recalled by Healthy Nut Factory was distributed and sold at retail stores in New York City and Long Island. The coconut is packaged in green rice paper pouches. The UPC number on the product is 8 13449 02099 3, and the expiration date of 6/1/2018, is found on the back of the pouch.
Healthy Nut Factory was notified by their distributor that product with that expiration date might contain Salmonella. The company has stopped production and distribution while the FDA investigates this issue.
The recall notice doesn’t quite make sense at this point, so it will be quoted, “Consumers that have purchased the Organic Coconut Smiles from August 22, 2018 through November 20, 2018 in 7 oz. pouches should return unused product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.” You can also throw away this product in a sealed package.
The symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include a fever, nausea, abdominal cramps and pains, vomiting, and diarrhea that can be bloody. If you have eaten this product or any dried coconut and have been suffering with these symptoms, call your doctor. Salmonella infections can cause serious, lifelong health problems and your healthcare provider should know about it.
