FDA Sets Risk Level for Recalled Cheese Spread Sold at Aldi, Schnucks and Other Outlets
The FDA has updated the recall for more than 800,000 cheese spreads sold at stores across the country including Indiana and Illinois that are believed to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Original Recall in May
In early May recalls were issued for cheese spread products sold at both Schnucks and Aldi, as well as Hy Vee, and Piggly Wiggly. Those products were believed to contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause some serious issues.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a harmful bacteria that can lead to severe infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Even healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which can be bloody), and abdominal pain if exposed to Salmonella.
Salmonella Symptom Onset
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms can begin anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria and in rare cases, can spread to the bloodstream, causing more critical conditions like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Most people with Salmonella infection have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks. Salmonella strains sometimes cause infection in urine, blood, bones, joints, or the nervous system (spinal fluid and brain), and can cause severe disease. - CDC
How is Salmonella Spread?
The Food and Drug Administration explains that there are a number of ways that salmonella can be spread including consuming undercooked food, improper food handling, and improper hand washing.
Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Salmonella can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps, and when people eat raw or undercooked foods. Salmonella can also spread from animals to people. People who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles, can spread the bacteria from the animals to food if they do not practice proper hand washing hygiene before handling food. Pets can also spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella. - FDA
Products Affected By the Recall
Schnucks has issued a voluntary recall for three cheese spread products. Aldi has issued a recall for four cheese spread products.
Schnucks
Schnucks Whip Cream Spread
UPC 4131858005
Best By: 8/8/2024
Schnucks Strawberry Spread
UPC 4131858007
Best By: 9/8/2024
Schnucks Cream Cheese Spread
UPC 4131858023
Best By: 10/8/2024
Aldi
Whipped Cream Cheese Spread
UPC 4099100101881
Sell By Dates: 08/30/2024; 08/31/2024; 09/01/2024; 09/03/2024; 09/04/2024
Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
UPC 4099100101751
Sell By Dates: 09/13/2024; 09/22/2024
Cream Cheese Spread
UPC 4099100101737
Sell By Dates: 09/01/2024; 09/08/2024; 09/15/2024
Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread
UPC 4099100101744
Sell By Dates: 09/08/2024; 09/15/2024
A Class II Recall
According to a recent article from Newsweek, the FDA has given the recall a Class II designation. This means that these products are unlikely to cause severe adverse health issues, however they do say that they may result in consequences that may be medically reversible or temporary.
LOOK: Best counties to retire to in Indiana
Gallery Credit: Stacker
More From WGBF-FM
