Pennsylvania-based confectioner Asher’s Chocolate voluntarily recalled more than 40 chocolate products last month because of possible salmonella contamination.
A single sample taken during routine testing at the company’s Lewistown, Pa., facility revealed salmonella in a group of products. Among the potentially contaminated items are chocolates, chocolate bars, cellophane-wrapped chocolates and individually-wrapped chocolates, including Milk and Dark Chocolate Coated Mini Pretzels, Milk Almond Butter Toffee and Dark Chocolate Almond Bark.
No items produced at Asher’s Souderton facility are involved in the recall.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers is our primary concern, and we are taking this incident very seriously,” says Jeff Asher, Asher’s ceo. “In our 124 years of business, we have never previously detected salmonella in our testing. We are working and cooperating fully with the U. S. Food & Drug Administration on this voluntary recall. We apologize to our retail customers and consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience.”
The potentially contaminated items had been distributed to retailers nationwide. However, no illnesses have been reported.
Salmonella can cause serious illness in children, elderly people and people with weakened immune systems.
A full list recalled products can be found here.
