Tips to help manage food recalls and prevent food poisoning
Preventable food poisoning causes approximately 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths each year.
Peyton, America today
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on January 12 that specialty chocolate bars are being removed from shelves due to concerns about possible salmonella contamination.
According to the FDA, Spring & Mulberry has voluntarily recalled its mint leaf date chocolate bars, which will be available for purchase online and in select retail stores nationwide starting in September. The recall specifically affects packages with lot code #025255.
The potential contamination was identified as a result of routine testing by a third-party laboratory, the statement said. To date, no illnesses or adverse health effects have been reported.
Consumers who purchased the recalled chocolate should dispose of it and contact Spring & Mulberry with a photo of the chocolate showing the affected lot code to request a refund from the company.
USA TODAY reached out to Spring & Mulberry for further comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
See photos of recalled chocolate bars
Symptoms and treatment of salmonella poisoning
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail and elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA. Signs of salmonella poisoning include:
- Diarrhea that is bloody or that lasts for more than 3 days without getting better.
- Diarrhea and fever of 102 degrees or higher.
- Excessive vomiting, especially if you cannot keep fluids down.
- Signs of dehydration include a dry mouth and throat, less frequent urination, and feeling dizzy when you stand up.
- My stomach cramps.
Symptoms most commonly occur between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure. Most people recover in four to seven days, but people with weakened immune systems, such as children under 5 and adults over 65, can experience more severe symptoms that require treatment and hospitalization.
