Last week, there were four recalls of products for possible Salmonella contamination in the U.S. and two recalls in Canada. Those recalled products included types of Ritz Crackers, Swiss rolls, several varieties and flavors of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers, and a Hungry Man frozen dinner. On August 1, 2018, the FDA issued a public health alert about possible Salmonella contamination of whey powder.
The whey powder is produced by Associated Milk Producers of Minnesota. That facility voluntarily recalled its product, triggering the secondary recalls.
No illnesses have been “confirmed,” according to the FDA notice, but consumers should not eat any of the recalled foods. While these foods are baked or cooked before they are packaged, which reduces the risk of Salmonella contamination, the whey powder is also used in seasoning powders, icing, and other topping components. That can introduce the pathogenic bacteria, which will survive because the products aren’t heated after that step. The FDA notice states that post-baking contamination has been associated with Salmonella outbreaks in the past.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal and stomach pains and cramps, and diarrhea that may be bloody. If you ate any of the recalled products and have been ill with these symptoms, see your doctor.
While most people recover from a Salmonella infection on their own, others, especially young children, the elderly, frail people, and those with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill and need hospitalization. Moreover, even after a healthy person recovers, they can develop long term health consequences after this infection, including endocarditis, high blood pressure, reactive arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
If you purchased any of the recalled products, throw them away in a sealed or double bagged container. You can also take them back to the store where you purchased them for a refund. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling these products.
