Salmonella Scare Prompts Chocolate Recall

Nestle USA announced the voluntary recall of limited quantities of Nestle Nesquik Chocolate Powder in 10.9-, 21.8- and 40.7-ounce canisters because of possible salmonella contamination.

The voluntary recall is limited to Nesquik Chocolate Powder produced in early October and distributed nationally. No other varieties of Nesquik powder or any sizes or flavors of Nesquik ready-to-drink are affected by the recall, according to Glendale-based Nestle USA.

``Nestle is removing the canisters from distribution because the company was notified by an ingredient supplier, Omya Inc., that it has issued a recall of certain lots of its ingredient, calcium carbonate, due to possible presence of salmonella,'' according to a Nestle statement.

Calcium carbonate is used in Nesquik as an ingredient.

There have been no reports of any illnesses or adverse health effects associated with the affected product, according to Nestle. The recall is limited to the following sizes, UPC and production codes of Nesquik Chocolate Powder:

Size UPC Code Production Codes

• 40.7 oz. Chocolate (72 servings) 0 28000 68230 9 22825748102282574820,  
• 21.8 oz.Chocolate (38 servings) 0 28000 68090 9
  2278574810227857482022795748102279574820228457482022845748302285574810228557482
  022875748202289574810228957482010.
• 9 oz. Chocolate (19 servings) 0 28000 67990 3 2278574810 ?

To locate the production code, 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.

The product can be brought to the place of purchase for a full refund, or contact Nestle Consumer Services at (800) 628-7679.

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, but it can be severe or even life-threatening for infants, older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

- City News Service