Quaker Oats Recall Continues to Grow
One of America’s most widely-known snack brands, Quaker Oats, initially issued a recall of several of their products in late December of 2023 due to possible contamination of Salmonella bacteria. Now, they have voluntarily recalled another one of their products, a type of granola bar snack product they sell, Quaker Chewy Dipps Llama Rama. This is just the latest in a long list of implicated products.
For easier reference, an FDA web-PDF has been made available.
The Hawai’i State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch (FDB) issued a recall warning pertaining to this product just yesterday, urging residents to check their pantries for this item and to dispose of it. These affected items come in 6-bar packages with a UPC of 030000569177. The best before date is labeled as either Feb-10-24 K or Feb-11-24 K. They are also sold to stores nationwide, “including most retailers and supermarkets in Hawai’i.” Also, it is important to check the previously issued recall for the other products of Quaker Oats that have been recalled, and to double, maybe triple, check one’s pantry.
Despite the extensive recall, Quaker Oats has assured the public it has received no confirmed reports of illness related to these recalled products.
Salmonella: What You Need to Know
People become infected with Salmonella by consuming either food or drink that has been contaminated with the bacteria. Foods that are most commonly known to harbor Salmonella bacteria include: raw or undercooked meats, unwashed produce, and unpasteurized or “raw” dairy. Salmonella can also be contracted if a person has been handling any of these foods and subsequently failed to wash their hands or clean the surfaces these foods have touched, resulting in the bacteria being transferred from one surface to another. This is called cross-contamination.
The most common symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea (can be bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. Some people may even suffer from persistent nausea, vomiting, or headaches. For most, treatment from a physician is not needed. The symptoms often last for approximately a week, and then begin to go away on their own. Although for some, hospitalization is required (the biggest reason being dehydration). Those most likely to require hospitalization include those who are pregnant, immunocompromised, young children and older adults, and those who suffer from severe pre-existing health conditions.
