Rite Aid Rich Fields Cookie Recall Over Bacterial Contamination

About 85,000 tins of Rich Fields Butter Cookies, sold at Rite Aid stores nationwide, have been recalled because they may have bacterial contamination. 

The Rich Fields cookie recall was announced by the FDA and Rite Aid on October 29, due to the possible presence of Bacillus cereus bacteria.

Although there have been no reports of food poisoning reported in connection to the recalled cookies, Bacillus cereus is responsible for about two percent of all foodborne illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Illness comes within 24 hours after exposure and can result in a diarrheal illness, as well as vomiting and nausea. Serious illness and permanent injury are very rare.

The Rite Aid cookie recall was issued after an uncharacteristic odor was detected and the bacterial contamination was found during quality testing to determine the nature of the odor.

About 85,000 12 oz. tins of Rich Fields Butter Cookies sold exclusively at Rite Aid are affected by the recall. The recalled cookies were sold in tins with decorative castle or Christmas designs and have UPC codes 01249596519 and 88411804619. The codes are located beneath the bar code on the bottom of each tin.

The FDA and Rite Aid are warning consumers not to eat the cookies. They can be returned to any Rite Aid store for a full refund. Rite Aid officials say they are also contacting customers who purchased affected cookie tins through their wellness+ loyalty cards. Consumers with questions can call 1-800-RITE-AID or visit the company’s website at www.RiteAid.com.