Outbreaks & Recalls

Salmonella Contamination Prompts Candy Recall at Walmart, Target, HyVee, Dollar General

Salmonella contamination prompts candy recall at Walmart, Target, HyVee, and Dollar General stores.

Here’s what you need to know!

Candy Recall for Several Brand Names

Palmer Candy Company, of Sioux City, Iowa, issued a candy recall on May 6, 2024. This sweet treat manufacturer manufactures products under a variety of brand names and sold in stores like Walmart, Target, HyVee, and Dollar General.

Brands affected by this recall include:

  • Freshness Guaranteed
  • Palmer
  • Sweet Smiles
  • Snackin’ With The Crew
  • Casey’s
  • Sconza Chocolates
  • Favorite Day Bakery
  • Sunny Select
  • Urge!
  • Kwik Trip Inc.

Candy Recall Initiated Due to Supplier Notification

Palmer Candy Company initiated a voluntary recall for their “White Coated Confectionary Items” due to potential contamination with the potentially life-threatening bacteria, Salmonella.

Palmer Candy received a notification from their liquid coating supplier of a potential Salmonella contamination with an ingredient from one of their suppliers.

In response, Palmer Candy Company has recalled the effected products and suspended manufacturing while the FDA and the company work to determine the source of the problem.

Candy Recall Products Sold Nationwide

Candy recall products were distributed nationwide to retail stores, including Walmart, Target, HyVee, and Dollar General. Distributors in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming received recalled products.

Recalled Products

Recalled products were sold in a variety of retail packaging. They can be found in bags, pouches, and tubs.

Affected products include:

PRODUCTS BEST BY DATES
Caramel Swirl Pretzels 4oz 12/28/2024
CARAMEL SWIRL PRETZELS 6oz 12/19/24, 12/20/24 and 1/19/25
CLASSIC YOGURT PRETZELS 28# 12/11/24 – 1/8/25
COOKIES & CREAM YUMMY CHOW 14# 12/6/24 – 1/8/25
ENROBED PRETZEL RODS 8oz 1/22/25
FAVORITE DAY BAKERY WHITE FUDGE MINI COOKIES 7oz 4/4/25, 4/5/25, 4/15/25, 4/18/25
FROSTED MUNCHY MEDLEY BOWL 15oz 1/3/25
FROSTED PATRIOT FROSTED PRETZELS 28# 1/2/25, 1/3/25
FROSTED PRETZELS 6oz 1/23/25
MUNCHY MEDLEY 15# 12/14/24, 1/3/25
MUNCHY MEDLEY 4oz 12/27/24, 12/28/24 and 1/19/25
MUNCHY MEDLEY 6oz 12/20/24
MUNCHY MEDLEY TO GO 4oz 12/25/24, 1/19/25
PATRIOTIC MUNCHY MEDLEY BOWL 15oz 1/19/25
PATRIOTIC PRETZELS 14oz 1/25/25, 1/26/25
PATRIOTIC PRETZELS 6oz 1/19/25
PATRIOTIC RED, WHITE & BLUE PRETZEL TWISTS 14oz 12/13/24 – 1/15/25
PATRIOTIC SNACK MIX 13oz 1/19/25, 1/22/25 and 2/1/25
PATRIOTIC WHITE FUDGE COOKIES 7oz 4/23/25
PEANUT BUTTER SNACK MIX 12oz 11/13/24 – 12/15/24
PEANUT BUTTER SNACK MIX TO GO 4.5oz 1/18/25
SNACKIN’ WITH THE CREW! MIZZOU MUNCHY MEDLEY 7oz 12/18/24, 12/19/24
SNACKIN’ WITH THE CREW! TIGER TREATS 7oz 12/18/24, 12/19/24
STAR SNACKS CHOW DOWN 25# 12/6/24, 12/7/24
STRAWBERRY YOGURT COATED PRETZELS 10oz 1/5/25, 1/23/25
SWEET SMILES YOGURT COVERED PRETZELS 3.25oz 12/18/24 – 1/4/25
VANILLA YOGURT COVERED PRETZELS 10oz 1/5/25, 1/22/25
YOGURT PRETZEL 14# 12/14/24 – 12/21/24
ZEBRA FUDGE COOKIES 7oz 3/13/25, 4/1/25 – 4/2/25

No Illness Reported So Far

Salmonella contamination may result in serious or even life-threatening illness. Particularly in higher risk groups.

So far there have been no reports of illness, adverse reaction, or injury associated with recalled product.

This is not an indication of true risk, however because most cases of foodborne illness go unreported. Cases where symptoms are mild generally do not seek medical attention, therefore their samples are never tested for Salmonella or other pathogens.

Unfortunately, those who are at higher risk of severe illness rely on others to report illnesses so that recalls can be made as quickly as possible.

What is Salmonella, and How Bad Is It?

This candy recall was initiated due to the risk of illness due to potential Salmonella contamination.

But what exactly is Salmonella, and how bad can it be?

Food is the Most Common Source of Infection

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths are associated with Salmonella bacteria each year.

Contaminated food is the most common source of human infection.

Common Symptoms

Most people with salmonellosis, the illness associated with Salmonella bacterial infection, experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Illness onset ranges from six hours to six days after consuming an infected product. Depending on the person and the severity of the illness, symptoms generally last four to seven days.

Severity can range from very mild to serious, or even life-threatening if complications are experienced.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment. In fact, antibiotics are generally only given to those with serious illnesses or at risk of serious illness.

In some cases, illness may become so severe that hospitalization is needed for recovery.

The CDC recommends calling a doctor if you have:

  • Bloody stool (poop)
  • Diarrhea and fever higher than 102° F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
  • Prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration
    • Making very little urine
    • Dry mouth and throat
    • Dizziness when standing up

High-Risk Groups

Those in higher risk groups are more likely to become sick if exposed to Salmonella bacteria and experience more severe illness if infected

People at higher risk include:

  • Young children
  • Frail or elderly people
  • Those with a weakened immune system

While anyone can become sick following exposure and potentially experience complications, this group is more susceptible.

Salmonella Infection Complications

Salmonella infections usually affect the digestive system. While complications like dehydration may arise from this type of infection, most people usually recover on their own by staying hydrated.

In some cases, however, Salmonella bacteria breech the intestinal wall and make their way into the bloodstream. This liquid superhighway is a fast track to other parts of the body, causing infections in the urine, blood, bones, joints, or even the spinal fluid and brain.

The most common Salmonella infection complications, however, are irregular bowel habits (frequency and consistency) lasting for several months and reactive arthritis.

Reactive arthritis is a condition where bacteria affect collagen in the body. Salmonella make their way into the joints, eyes, and urethra.

Common symptoms of reactive arthritis include joint pain, eye irritation, and pain when urinating.

Have You or a Loved One Become Sick After Eating Palmer Candy Company Products?

If you or a loved one have become sick after eating candy recall products from Palmer Candy Company, you may have a legal claim.

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Salmonella Lawyer experienced in representing cases just like yours. Call our team at (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free consultation to go over the details of your situation and determine if you have a legal case. Don’t wait to get the justice you deserve!

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)

Heather Van Tassell

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