FDA announce urgent recall of popular candy brand over salmonella risk

Health officials have announced a recall of popular sweets sold at Walmart stores across the US due to concerns about contamination with deadly bacteria.

Iowa-based Palmer Candy Company voluntarily recalled its 'White Coated Confectionary Items' this week after finding they could be contaminated with salmonella, a foodborne illness that infects 1.3 million Americans a year. 

The FDA said that affected products - mixtures of snacks like pretzels, popcorn and chocolates - were distributed nationwide in Walmart, HyVee, Target, and Dollar General stores. 

They were also sent to distributors in the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 

No illnesses have been reported.  

The products were sold under several brand names, including Walmart's Great Value

The potentially harmful sweets are covered in a sugary coating that appears white, and come in a variety of packaging, such as bags, pouches, and tubs. 

The affected sweets were sold under brand names including Palmer Candy, Great Value, Casey's, and Every True Tiger - a brand out of the University of Missouri. 

Palmer Candy was notified of the potential danger by its liquid coating supplier, who said the products could potentially be contaminated with salmonella. 

Salmonella is caused by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. It typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that begin six hours to six days after initial infection, according to the CDC. 

Most people recover within days, though the illness is responsible for more than 26,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths a year.  

Production has been suspended while the FDA and Palmer Candy investigate.  

Consumers who have purchased any white coated confectionary items manufactured by Palmer Candy Company are encouraged to return the items to the place of purchase for a full refund.