On the 10th of June, 2022, yet another brand announced a voluntarily recall due to potential contamination with the bacteria Escherichia coli. In an announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Built Brands has voluntarily recalled their Protein Bar “Banana Cream Pie Puffs” due to a possible E. coli contamination. Approximately 4,196 of these Built Brands LLC.’s individually wrapped protein bars were recalled due to potentially posing the threat of E. coli infection to consumers.
According to one National Food Poisoning Lawyer, Ron Simon, the symptoms of E. coli vary, and can include sudden and severe stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea, pain, fatigue and dehydration. The stomach cramping may also be accompanied by bloody stools due to the shiga toxin in the E. coli. While vomiting is also a common side effect of an E. coli infection, at last in the very early stages, it’s important to note that not all infected individuals will vomit. Similarly, fevers may not always accompany E. coli poisoning, though in some people a low grade fever may develop. Since vomiting and diarrhea cause fluid loss, patients will be low on electrolytes. This creates fatigue that leaves the patient feeling tired and sick, even if other symptoms subside. It is imperative that individuals suffering from dehydration consume salty foods, as well as water or sports drinks to rehydrate and revitalize themselves. Some people will develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, or “HUS,” a life threatening illness.
Individuals who have consumed Built Brands LLC.’s “Banana Cream Pie Puffs” Protein Bars, and are experiencing any of the afore-mentioned symptoms, should promptly contact their personal healthcare provider to prevent and/or treat serious food-poisoning, as well as alert public health officials of the food-borne contamination. A stool culture is highly recommended.
The protein bars are packaged in 40 gram sized individually wrapped packages, with the lot # of D22151011. The presence of E. coli in the listed product was discovered after a scheduled laboratory testing requested by Built Brands. As of June 14th, no illnesses have been reported to have been connected to Built Brands’ “Banana Cream Pie Puffs” Protein Bars. Individuals with questions, comments or concerns regarding this recall can contact the company at [email protected].