Publix recalls mixes; cites powdered milk Salmonella problem

The Publix Super Markets grocery chain is recalling some of its pancake and waffle mixes because powdered milk in them may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Publix officials initiated the recall after the supplier of the powdered milk notified them about the possible contamination, according to a notice posted on the grocery chain’s website Wednesday.

Consumers are urged to check their homes for the recalled pancake and waffle mixes. Anyone who has any of the recalled mixes should return them to the place of purchase for a refund or discard them. The recalled mixes should not be used.

The mixes were sold at Publix stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Valley Milk Products LLC is not named in the Publix recall notice, but the recall is related to the recent government seizure of 4 million pounds of dry milk products from the milk cooperative’s Strasburg, VA, plant, a Publix spokeswoman said Wednesday evening.

Armed U.S. Marshals seized nonfat milk and buttermilk powdered products Nov. 30 at the request of the Food and Drug Administration. In September, FDA inspectors discovered Valley Milk Products’ records showed the company had found Salmonella in plant environments and in finished products.

FDA inspectors found residues on processing equipment after it had been cleaned and condensation from the ceiling falling on the food manufacturing equipment.

Salmonella meleagridis was found on food contact surfaces after pasteurization. The facility is not currently producing dry milk. It has a capacity to turn out 200 million pounds per year.

Consumers can identify the specific Publix mixes by looking for the following label information — all lot codes of the following items are affected by this recall:

• Publix Premium Banana-Flavored Chocolate Chip Pancake & Waffle Mix, 16-ounce, with the GTIN code 4141503503;
• Publix Premium Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix, 16-ounce, with the GTIN code 4141503703; and
• Publix Premium Blueberry Flavored Pancake & Waffle Mix, 16-ounce, with the GTIN code 4141503603.

Anyone who has consumed anything made with the recalled mixes and then developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about their possible exposure to the pathogen.

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most people recover without treatment. In some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that patients need to be hospitalized. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

“As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted product has been removed from all store shelves,” said Maria Brous, Publix media and community relations director, in the recall notice.

“To date, there have been no reported cases of illness.”

Publix customers with questions can call 800-242-1227.

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from Food Recalls – Food Safety News http://ift.tt/2gY1oDw