One thing you can count on when Easter rolls around is an abundance of egg-shaped treats on the grocery shelves. This holiday though, one of the most popular types of Easter candy is being recalled.
Zachary Confections Inc. is recalling its Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Eggs after the testing of one lot detected salmonella.
The company said in a press release that it is recalling all lots of the product out of an abundance of caution.
"We are dedicated to manufacturing wholesome products for our customers," said George Anichini, Vice President " Operations of Zachary Confections. "Consistent with that dedication, we are taking this voluntary action."
No illnesses have been recorded in connection with the recall.
The recalled product was manufactured on February 20-21 and shipped to stores in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. No other Zachary Confections products are included in the recall, the company said.
If you do not live in one of these states, but plan on visiting one during the holiday " its a good idea to have the UPC codes listed below.
Also, family and friends will sometimes mail these kinds of treats to children at Easter time as a gift. Parents should examine any chocolate covered marshmallow eggs they receive to make sure that it is not the recalled product.
The recall includes chocolate-coated marshmallow eggs packaged in white egg crates with purple, green and yellow lettering. They include the cases with a UPC code of 1 00 75186 31797 3 and the individual unit UPC code 075186 15797 8. The treats have a Best Buy date of Feb. 14, 2014.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stopped the production of this product while an investigation continues on the possible source of the contamination.
If you have this product, it should be destroyed or returned to the purchase place for a refund. For more information, call (765) 654-8356 between the hours of 8 a.m. ET and 4:30 p.m. ET.
Salmonella is the name for a group of bacteria and is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. Symptoms typically last between 4 to 7 days. Symptoms of food poisoning may include fever, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramping.
While most people recover without medical treatment, there are some exceptions. In children, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system, salmonella can cause severe illness requiring hospitalization.
Sources: JoNel Aleecia, http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/28/17135274-chocolate-marshmallow-eggs-recalled-for-salmonella
Dr.
Sue Hubbard is an award winning pediatrician and medical editor for
www.kidsdr.com. She is a native of Washington, D.C. who travelled south
to attend the University of Texas at Austin and never left. 
