Zachary Chocolate Covered Eggs Recall Issued Over Salmonella Risk

As the Easter candy season approaches, a recall has been issued for chocolate covered marshmallow eggs, due to a potential risk of salmonella contamination that could pose a serious risk of food poisoning, especially for young children. 

A Zachary Chocolate Egg recall was announced by the FDA on February 27, after the presence of Salmonella bacteria was found during a routine post-production test. To date, no injuries or illnesses related to the Marshmallow Eggs have been reported.

The recall consists of the Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Eggs manufactured in 5 ounce crates with the following codes; Case UPC code 1 00 75186 31797 3, Unit UPC code 0 75186 15797 8, Code Dates D3245D; D33145E; F3145E and D3245E with a “Best Buy” date of February 14, 2014. The codes can be found on the side panel of the product packaging that has yellow, green and purple lettering.

The recalled Marshmallow Eggs were manufactured by Zachary Confections Inc., on February 20 and February 21 and shipped from the facility to retail stores in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin on February 21 and February 22.

Salmonella infections are one of the most frequent foodborne illnesses. The Salmonella bacteria has over 2,300 serotypes of bacteria that are impossible to see from the naked eye. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that Salmonella infections account for roughly 1.4 million foodborne illnesses per year and 400 fatalities annually in the United States alone.

The risk of serious illness from salmonella is a particular concern among young children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system and can cause symptoms that consist of fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which typically resolve in a few days or weeks for healthy individuals. However, if the bacteria enters the blood stream, it can cause more severe side effects such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The company recommends that consumers stop eating the recalled product immediately and either destroy or return the eggs to their place of purchase. Consumers may also contact Zachary Confections Customer Service at (756) 654-8356 between 8:00am and 4:30pm EST for further information.