Elite-Branded Products Recalled due to Salmonella
Strauss Israel announced a voluntary recall of the following Elite branded products: Elite Chocolate, Cakes, Wafers, Energy Grain Snacks, Energy Chocolate Rice Cakes, Chewing Gum and Toffee Candies. The recall “includ[es] all product codes currently on the US market,” according to the announcement. It does not, however, pertain to all Elite coffee items.
The products were recalled after Salmonella was detected at one of the company’s factories. A full list of the recalled items may be found at the end of the recall announcement here.
The products were “distributed in the kosher market nationally, primarily in the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, and Florida.” The products were also sold via Amazon.com, Fresh Direct, Passover.com, and all Retailer Online Sites.
Yesterday, the Israeli Health Ministry Director-General announced a three-month shutdown of the Strauss Group’s Elite factory in Nof Hagalil while the company investigates the Salmonella contamination. The company “cannot manufacture and market their products” until the factory is recertified as safe, according to the Director-General.
About Salmonella Infection
Common symptoms resulting from infection with Salmonella bacteria include diarrhea (which may be bloody), stomach cramps, and fever, which begin anywhere from six hours to six days after ingestion. On average, symptoms last four to seven days. Additional common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
People acquire Salmonella by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the bacteria, or touching infected animals and failing to wash their hands afterwards. Outbreaks of Salmonella have been tied to contaminated vegetables, such as bean sprouts, as well as to contaminated poultry, beef, and eggs.
The CDC recommends contacting a doctor in certain situations. First, diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees requires medical attention. You should also seek medical attention for diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that is not improving. Bloody stools also require prompt medical attention. This is also true in the case of continued vomiting that keeps you from keeping liquids down. Finally, you should call your doctor if you have signs of dehydration. These include making very little urine (peeing infrequently), dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up.