King’s Hawaiian Issues Recalls of Popular Slider Buns Due to Potential Microbial Contamination
King’s Hawaiian has issued a recall on their Pretzel Slider Buns, Pretzel Hamburger Buns, and Pretzel Bites due to concerns of microbial contamination. The recall was issued following Lyons Magnus recall of products due to a specific ingredient’s potential to contain microbial contamination, specifically Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum. King’s Hawaiian uses the Lyons Magnus ingredient that is currently under investigation in their pretzel products, and thus issued the recall out of an abundance of caution. The company does not use the Lyons Magnus ingredient in any of their other products. No known illnesses have been reported due to consuming the King’s Hawaiian products. King’s Hawaiian plans to begin production of their pretzel products again once all contaminated product has been discarded and all ingredients have been checked for contamination. If you have purchased any of the recalled products, King’s Hawaiian encourages all customers to not consume of them and dispose of them immediately. To request a replacement or for any questions, King’s Hawaiian can be contacted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT at 877-695-4227.
Cronobacter bacteria is most commonly found in dry foods, such as herbal teas, starches, powdered milk, and powdered infant formula. Although any age group is susceptible to Cronobacter infections, infants are at a much higher risk for further complications and even death following a Cronobacter infection, as well as on a smaller scale those with a weakened immune systems and those 65 and older. Cronobacter infections are rare in the United States, however, there was a recent outbreak in February 2022 caused by contaminated baby formula that led to 4 hospitalizations and 2 associated deaths.
According to the CDC, Clostridium botulinum is a bacteria that produces the botulinum toxin responsible for the illness Botulism. The toxin attacks the nervous system, leading to symptoms that include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double or blurry vision, droopy eyelids, slurred speech, and difficult moving the eyes. Symptoms of foodborne botulism also include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. If you believe you are suffering from Botulism, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately to receive the antitoxin.
