FDA Raises Palmer Candy Recall to Highest Threat Level

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reclassified a Palmer Candy recall on May 5 to Class I, which is the most serious. A Class I recall is one in which consumption of the product could cause serious adverse health effects or even death.

The recalled candies are “White Coated Confectionary Items” because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled confectionery products were distributed nationally through Walmart, HyVee, Target, Dollar General and to distributors in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The product comes in a variety of retail packages such as bags, sachets and tubs. So far, no illnesses have been reported, but health officials want consumers to be aware of the threat.

According to Palmer Candy, the potential contamination lies in the liquid coating. The company was told there was a potential for salmonella contamination from an ingredient that was potentially contaminated at one of their suppliers.

Production of the product was halted in May while the FDA and the company continued their investigation into the contamination.

What to do

Consumers who purchased White coated confectionary items manufactured by Palmer Candy Company are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-831-0828 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here is a list of the recalled products:

Mark HuffmanReporter

Mark Huffman has been a consumer news reporter for ConsumerAffairs since 2004. He covers real estate, gas prices and the economy, and has reported extensively on negative option sales. He was previously a reporter and editor for the Associated Press in Washington, D.C., and a correspondent for Westwoood One Radio Networks and Marketwatch.

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