Quaker Oats expands recall over Salmonella contamination risk

Quaker Oats, the renowned oatmeal manufacturer under the umbrella of PepsiCo, has extended its recall for specific granola bars and cereal products initially flagged in December due to potential salmonella contamination.

The company disclosed the expansion in a recent news release on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website.

The expanded recall encompasses various flavours of Quaker Granola Bars, different versions of the popular Cap’n Crunch cereal, Gatorade Protein Bar Peanut Butter Chocolate, and other items labelled with “best before” dates ranging from 11 January 2024 to 31 October 2024.

The decision to widen the recall is in response to continued concerns about the potential health risks associated with the consumption of these products.

The initial recall, issued last month, identified over two dozen products that were susceptible to salmonella contamination.

Salmonella is a bacterium that poses a severe threat, particularly to young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Infections can result in symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, and, in extreme cases, can lead to fatal outcomes.

The bacterium can also enter the bloodstream, causing more severe illnesses like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis. Given the gravity of these potential health issues, the company has taken proactive measures to safeguard consumers.

The recalled products have been distributed across the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Saipan. A comprehensive list of the expanded recall items, including brand names, specific sizes, UPC tracking numbers, and relevant “best before” dates, can be found on the FDA website. For further details, the complete list of all recalled Quaker Oats products has been made available at quakerrecallusa.com.

In a statement, the company urged consumers to check their pantries for the listed products and promptly dispose of them.

Additionally, consumers possessing any of the recalled items can contact Quaker Consumer Relations at 1-800-492-9322 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.

Alternatively, they can visit www.QuakerRecallUSA.com for additional information or to request product reimbursement.

The affected products include various Quaker Chewy Granola Bars and Cereals, Cap’n Crunch Bars and select Cereals, Gamesa Marias Cereal, Gatorade Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars, and Munchies Munch Mix and Snack Boxes containing these items.

This recall follows last month’s alarming revelation that eight deaths in the United States and Canada were linked to a salmonella outbreak associated with specific brands and types of cantaloupes.

According to the FDA, three deaths occurred in the U.S., while Canadian authorities reported five deaths. Health agencies from both countries identified “Malichita” or “Rudy” brand cantaloupes as potential sources of the illnesses, distributed by at least four suppliers.

Throughout the previous year, there were numerous recalls due to salmonella concerns, encompassing whole cantaloupes from the implicated brands and products believed to be derived from the potentially contaminated fruit, according to the FDA.

Adding to the growing list of salmonella-related incidents, earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a salmonella outbreak linked to an unopened sample of Busseto Foods Charcuterie Sampler Prosciutto, Sweet Soppressata, and Dry Coppa.

This prompted Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc. to recall approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products.