Several candy products previously recalled by Iowa-based Palmer Candy Company in 17 different states have now been identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Class I recalls, the most serious type.
The initial recall of the company’s “white-coated candies” was initiated by Palmer Candy in early May due to potential contamination with salmonella, a group of bacteria that causes gastrointestinal illness and fever.
According to an FDA press release, the recalled products include Palmer Candy Caramel Swirl Pretzels, Classic Yogurt Pretzels, Munchy Mix, Patriotic Pretzels, Frosted Pretzels, Zebra Fudge Cookies, Peanut Butter Snack Mix and several others. The candies are sold in a variety of packaging, including bags, pouches and tubs.
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The FDA does not always classify a recall at the same time it issues a press release informing the public of it. In the case of Palmer Candy products, the agency did not classify many of the company’s product recalls as Class I until August 6.
The agency has three methods for classifying food recalls. A Class I recall indicates that consumption of or exposure to the affected product could result in serious adverse health consequences or death.
A Class II recall occurs when the likelihood of suffering serious adverse health consequences after consuming the affected product is low and the adverse health consequences are temporary or medically reversible.
A Class III recall indicates that consumption of or exposure to the recalled product is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences.
Palmer Candy has issued a recall of its white-coated candy products after being notified by its liquid coating supplier that there was a risk of salmonella contamination from an ingredient “potentially contaminated by one of the suppliers,” the FDA wrote in its press release.
Following the recall, production of the product has been suspended while the FDA and Palmer Candy investigate the source of the problem, the agency said.
Most people infected with salmonella experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. However, the illness can be extremely serious or even fatal in young children, the frail or elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. According to the FDA, only in rare cases can a salmonella infection cause “the organism to enter the bloodstream and cause more serious illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.”
The recalled products were distributed nationwide and in Canada. In the United States, the candy was sent to Walmart, Hy-Vee, Target, Dollar General, and distributors in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the recalled products. Newsweek reached out to Palmer County for comment via email Thursday morning.
