California-based Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has voluntarily recalled 13 of its powdered beverage mixes over concerns of potential Salmonella contamination.
The storied confectionery says it issued the recall after dairy producer California Dairies recalled its milk powder, which is used in the affected powdered beverage mixes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a recall notice on Tuesday, April 28. To date, no illnesses have been reported.
What products are included in the recall?
The recall covers a limited selection of powdered beverage mixes packaged for food service and institutional customers.
However, Ghirardelli cautions that some of the recalled products may have been available for purchase by consumers through e-commerce platforms. Here’s what you need to know.
The recall is limited to the following products only:
- 30-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe
- 30-pound Classic White Frappe
- 4/2-pound Premium Hot Cocoa Pouch Bulk
- 6/3-pound Chocolate & Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder
- 6/3.12-pound White Chocolate Flavored Sweet Ground Powder
- 6/3-pound Vanilla Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12-pound Classic White Frappe Mix
- 10-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
- 10-pound Classic White Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12-pound White Mocha Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12-pound Mocha Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12-pound Frozen Hot Cocoa Frappe Mix
Ghirardelli’s recall notice includes a full list of lot numbers and best-if-used-by dates for the affected products.
In the notice, Ghirardelli explains that internal testing revealed no contamination. The chocolate company says it has issued the recall out of “an abundance of caution.”
Ghirardelli has put a significant portion of the affected powdered drink mixes on hold at its warehouses and is working with its partners to retrieve or dispose of potentially affected beverage mixes that were distributed to customers.
Fast Company has reached out to California Dairies, the dairy producer that Ghirardelli identified, for more information. We’ll update the story if we receive a reply.
Here’s what to do next
Retailers that received an affected powdered beverage mix should call Ghirardelli’s dedicated hotline at 1-855-744-1426 for instructions on returns and receiving a replacement or refund.
Consumers who purchased or consumed an impacted product can contact Ghirardelli directly by calling 1-844-776-0419.
Alternatively, customers can fill out the contact form on Ghirardelli’s website, and the customer service team will follow up.
What are the symptoms of a Salmonella infection?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella bacteria can cause a foodborne infection.
While anyone can contract a Salmonella infection, some are more at risk.
This includes:
- Children younger than 5
- Adults 65 and older
- People with weakened immune systems
According to the Mayo Clinic, most people develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. However, some people experience no symptoms. Most healthy people recover within a few days to one week with no need for treatment.
