February 12, 2010
A concern that the product might be contaminated with Salmonella has promoted California-based specialty grocery chain Trader Joe's to recall its Trader Joe's Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars.
The bars are identified by UPC 82818, Use by Dates/Lot Codes 16JUL10H2 and 17JUL10H1, manufactured by Bloomfield Bakery, a subsidiary of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.
"We have been alerted by our supplier of Trader Joe's Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars that there is a possibility that product with Use by Dates/ Lot Codes 16JUL10H2 and 17JUL10HI may cause a serious food-borne illness," the company said in a statement. "As a precaution, all of the product has been removed from sale and has been destroyed. To date, we have received no reports of illness related to this product."
The product involved in this recall was distributed at Trader Joe's stores nationally. It comes in a 7.4 oz box marked with Use by/Lot Codes 16JUL10H2 and 17JUL10H1 on the top of the box and stamped individually on the side of each granola bar. Production of the product has been suspended while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Bloomfield Bakery continue their investigation.
The company, meanwhile, said consumers who have purchased this product should return them to any Trader Joe's store for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations Monday through Friday, 6am to 6pm PST at (626) 599-3817.
Salmonella has cause a range of illness, from fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain to more serious infections. They can be fatal in young children, frail or elderly people.
Salmonella often gets into food products through contaminated ingredients, such as nuts, vegetables, and even seasoning. It is often caused by unsanitary conditions at a processing facility.
