U.S. chocolate maker Hershey, Inc. is recalling a number of candy products made at one of its Canadian plants because one or more of its ingredients may be tainted with Salmonella bacteria. Candy produced in the U.S. is not affected.
The company, in cooperation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, announced the voluntary recall of a limited number of products produced at its Smiths Falls plant between October 15 and November 10, 2006.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with consumption of these items. No Halloween or Christmas items are included in the recall.
“Product quality and safety are top priorities at Hershey,” said Eric Lent, General Manager, Canada. “We are working in close cooperation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to quickly retrieve the product in question from our customers and to ensure that consumers who may have purchased this product are aware of the potential health concern.”
The action includes the recall of 25 popular chocolates, including Oh Henry! and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The Pennsylvania-based company says a chocolate ingredient tested positive for salmonella during routine quality inspections on late last week. The Ontario production plant, which employs 500 people, was immediately closed and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency notified.
A company spokeswoman said tests confirmed the presence of the bacteria, but she would not say what ingredient was responsible for the suspected contamination. She said most of the affected chocolate was still in the factory and that product that had been released to customers was being recalled.
