Major US supermarket recalls cheese spreads over potential salmonella risks
- The major retailer said three of its cheese spreads may be contaminated
- The store said one of its suppliers notified it of the problem
- No diseases have yet been reported caused by the cheese spread
A top American supermarket has asked its customers to voluntarily return several cheese spreads, for fear of possible salmonella contamination.
In an announcement on its website, Midwest retailer Schnucks said the recall affected three of its cheese spreads: Schnucks Whip Cream Spread, Schnucks Strawberry Spread and Schnucks Cream Cheese Spread.
A spokesperson told Supermarket News that one of his suppliers had informed him of the contamination.
“Schnucks was notified by our supplier (Topco Associates) that the product was being recalled by Schreiber Foods because they had received a recall notice from their supplier of an ingredient, whey protein concentrate, because it may have been contaminated with salmonella,” they said .
The spokesperson added that no illnesses have been reported yet.
A top American supermarket has asked its customers to voluntarily return several cheese spreads (File image)
Local media reported that products were being withdrawn from 107 of the chain’s 115 stores across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
The company said all Schnucks Whip Cream spreads with the Universal Product Code (UPC) 4131858005 with an expiration date of 8/8/2024 should be returned.
It added that Schnucks Strawberry Spreads with UPC 4131858007 and a best before date of 9/8/2024, and Schnucks Cream Cheese Spreads with UPC 4131858023 and a best before date of 10/8/2024 should also be returned.
A salmonella infection can lead to nausea, fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody.
Symptoms normally develop within six and 71 hours of exposure to the bacteria.
it comes after 16,000 pounds of ground beef sold at Walmart was recalled over concerns it was contaminated with the most potent strain of E. Coli.
The raw meat packages had been shipped to the supermarket by Cargill Meat Solutions, a Pennsylvania-based company that sells meat nationwide.
A total of six products from the potentially contaminated meat were produced between April 26 and 27. They do not carry the Walmart or Cargill name on the packaging, but are instead branded ‘All Natural’.
Packs arrived at Walmart stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC.
The USDA Food Safety Inspection Service – which issued the recall – said it was concerned that some products could be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.