Consumers are being encouraged by the state Department of Consumer Protection to check if the Nestlé Nesquik chocolate powder drink mix in their cupboards bears one of the 14 production codes that are being voluntarily recalled by Nestlé USA because of possible contamination by the bacterium Salmonella.
Salmonella can cause foodborne illness and the agency sent out an alert on Friday morning.
The company announced the voluntary recall of limited quantities of the powder because it was notified by an ingredient supplier, Omya Inc., that it has recalled certain lots of an ingredient, calcium carbonate, because of the potential for Salmonella, according to a Department of Consumer Protection news release. Calcium carbonate is used in Nesquik as an ingredient, according to a Department of Consumer Protection news release.
“We want the buying public to be aware of this recall and to check their shelves at home for Nesquik that might be subject to this recall,” Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said today. “There have not been any reports of illnesses associated with this product at this time, but it is best to be cautious.”
The recall is limited to the following sizes, UPC and production codes of NESQUIK Chocolate Powder:
40.7 oz. Chocolate (72 servings)
• UPC code
0 28000 68230 9
• Production codes:
2282574810
2282574820
21.8 oz. Chocolate (38 servings)
• Upc code
0 28000 68090 9
• Production codes:
2278574810 2278574820
2279574810 2279574820
2284574820 2284574830
2285574810 2285574820
2287574820 2289574810
2289574820
10.9 oz. Chocolate (19 servings)
• Upc code
0 28000 67990 3
• Production codes
2278574810
To locate the production code, consumers should look on the bottom of the canister, adjacent to the consumer expiration date. All affected products have an expiration date of BEST BEFORE Oct 2014, according to a Department of Consumer Protection news release.
“Anyone who has this recalled NESQUIK Chocolate Powder should not consume it, but instead should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund,” Rubenstein said.
According to a Department of Consumer Protection news release, the most common symptoms of Salmonella infection are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, which develop within eight to 72 hours of eating or drinking contaminated food. The illness usually lasts for four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. However, salmonellosis can be severe or even life threatening for infants, older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
For more information or for assistance on returning this product, contact Nestlé Consumer Services at (800) 628-7679.
