Deadly Salmonella: Palmer Candy Issues Nationwide Recall

SIOUX CITY, IA — Folks with a sweet tooth might want to check their pantries. The Palmer Candy Company has issued a voluntary recall of certain products after concerns about possible salmonella contamination arose. The potentially tainted candy was shipped nationally and includes two popular Publix store brand items, as well.

According to an alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Palmer Candy Company was informed by a supplier that a milk powder ingredient used in a chocolate coating might be contaminated with salmonella. That organism is capable of causing serious and sometimes deadly infections in young children, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems. Healthy people sickened by salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.

“In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis,” the alert warned.

Palmer Candy’s decision to call back potentially contaminated products is a result of a larger recall issued by Valley Milk Products.

To date, Palmer Candy says no illnesses have been associated with any of its candies affected by the recall. The products included in the recall were produced between Oct. 20 and Dec. 9, 2016, and were shipped to stores across the country.

Products included in the recall are as follows:

• Palmer Candy Chocolate Almond Bark 9 oz. – UPC, 77232-17250; Expiration Range, 4/26/2017 - 6/7/2017
• Palmer Candy Christmas Tree Pretzels 7 oz. – UPC, 77232-17137; Expiration Range, 7/27/2017 - 8/3/2017
• Palmer Candy Christmas Tree Pretzels 7 oz. – UPC, 77232-16310; Expiration Range, 7/24/2017 - 7/27/2017
• Palmer Candy Cookies & Cream Bark 9 oz. – UPC, 77232-17254; Expiration Range, 77232-17254
• Palmer Candy Crème De Menthe Bark 9 oz. – UPC, 77232-16043; Expiration Range, 8/7/2017 - 8/7/2017
• Palmer Candy Crème De Menthe Bark 9 oz. – UPC, 77232-17255; Expiration Range, 7/26/2017 - 8/7/2017
• Palmer Candy Drizzled Peanut Brittle 8 oz. – UPC, 77232-17002; Expiration Range, 4/30/2017 - 5/22/2017
• Palmer Candy Game Day Party Bowl 16 oz. – UPC, 77232-17291; Expiration Range, 7/18/2017 - 7/18/2017
• Palmer Candy Holiday Gift Bowl 22 oz. – UPC, 77232-17285; Expiration Range, 4/18/2017 -5/1/2017
• Palmer Candy Holiday Treats 16.5 oz. – UPC, 77232-23045; Expiration Range, 4/25/2017 - 5/14/2017
• Palmer Candy Peppermint Bark 9 oz. – UPC, 77232-17270; Expiration Range, 7/15/2017 - 8/29/2017
• Palmer Candy Peppermint Bark 8/9 oz. – UPC, 77232-16309; Expiration Range, 7/24/2017 - 7/28/2017
• Palmer Candy Peppermint Bark 12/9 oz., UPC, 77232-16042, Expiration Range, 7/17/2017 - 7/17/2017
• Palmer Candy Swirled Pretzels 5 oz. – UPC, 77232-13990; Expiration Range, 8/30/2017 - 9/`7/2017
• Bakery Delights Christmas Tree Pretzels 5 oz. – UPC, 77232-13227; Expiration Range, 7/18/2017 - 8/3/2017
• Delhaize Peppermint Pretzels 5 oz. – UPC, 25439-20204; Expiration Range, 7/28/2017 - 8/3/2017
• Trail’s End Chocolatey Caramel Crunch 18 oz. – UPC, X000FMRA8J; Expiration Range, 7/29/2017 - 8/8/2017
• Publix Almond Bark with Cocoa 10 oz. – UPC, 41415-22691; Expiration Range, 4/26/2017 - 5/23/2017
• Publix Peppermint Bark 10 oz. – UPC, 41415-23091; Expiration Range, 8/3/2017 - 8/7/2017
• Palmer Candy 3 Part Christmas Bowl 15 oz. – UPC, 77232-02580; Expiration Range, 4/12/2017 - 5/28/2017
• Palmer Candy Mixed Peppermint Pretzel 7 oz. – UPC, 77232-12147; Expiration Range, 7/18/2017 - 7/27/2017
• Palmer Candy Peppermint Bark 8 oz. – UPC, 77232-12146; Expiration Range, 77232-12146

Consumers will find UPCs are generally on the back of bags or bottom on containers. Consumers are asked to throw out products included in the recall or return them to point of purchase for a full refund. To find out more, people may call the Palmer Candy Company’s customer service department at 712-258-5543 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST.

“We are truly sorry for any distress this recall causes to our retail customers and to consumers,” Marty Palmer, the company’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “We remain committed to the highest standards in food quality and safety. We are taking this recall very seriously and truly appreciate the cooperation of our customers as we work to resolve this matter promptly.”

Photos courtesy Palmer Candy Company