FDA issues urgent recall of popular candy brand over salmonella risk

Health officials have recalled several brands of sweets due to potentially being contaminated with deadly bacteria.

Iowa-based Palmer Candy Company voluntarily recalled its ‘White Coated Confectionary Items’ this week after finding that they could be contaminated with salmonella, a foodborne illness infecting 1.3 million Americans a year.

The FDA said that affected products were distributed nationwide in Walmart, HyVee, Target, and Dollar General stores.

They were also sent to distributors in the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

No illnesses have been reported.

The product comes in a variety of packaging, such as bags, pouches, and tubs. The affected sweets were included in brand name products like Palmer Candy, Great Value, Casey’s, and Every True Tiger – a brand out of the University of Missouri.

Palmer Candy was notified of the issue by its liquid coating supplier, who said the products could potentially be contaminated with salmonella.

Salmonella is caused by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. It typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that begin six hours to six days after initial infection, according to the CDC.

Most people recover within days, although the illness is responsible for more than 26,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths a year.

Production has been suspended while the FDA and Palmer Candy investigate.

Consumers who have purchased any white coated confectionary items manufactured by Palmer Candy Company are encouraged to return the items to the place of purchase for a full refund.