Major US supermarket recalls cheese spreads over potential salmonella risks

A top American supermarket has asked its customers to voluntarily return several cheese spreads, amid concerns of a possible salmonella contamination. 

In an announcement on its website, the Midwest retailer Schnucks said the recall involved three of its cheese spreads: Schnucks Whip Cream Spread, Schnucks Strawberry Spread, and Schnucks Cream Cheese Spread. 

A spokesperson told Supermarket News that one of its vendors notified it of the contamination.

'Schnucks was notified by our vendor (Topco Associates) that the product was being recalled by Schreiber Foods because they received a recall notification from their supplier of an ingredient, whey protein concentrate, for having the potential to be contaminated with salmonella', they said. 

The spokesperson added that no illnesses have yet been reported.  

A top American supermarket has asked its customers to voluntarily return several cheese spreads (File image) 

Local media reported that products from 107 of the chain's 115 stores, which can be found across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, were pulled. 

The company said any Schnucks Whip Cream spreads with the Universal Product Code (UPC) of 4131858005 with the best by date of 8/8/2024 should be sent back. 

It added that Schnucks Strawberry spreads with the UPC of 4131858007 and a best by date of 9/8/2024, and Schnucks Cream Cheese spreads with UPC 4131858023 and a best by date of 10/8/2024 should also be returned. 

A salmonella infection can lead to nausea, fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody. 

Symptoms normally develop within six and 71 hours of exposure to the bacteria. 

it comes after 16,000 pounds of ground beef sold at Walmart was recalled over fears it was contaminated with the most powerful strain of E. Coli. 

The raw meat packs had been shipped to the supermarket by Cargill Meat Solutions, a Pennsylvania-based company that sells meat around the country.

In total, the potentially contaminated meat ended up six products produced on April 26 to 27. They don't carry the Walmart or Cargill name on packs, but instead are branded 'All Natural'.

Packs ended up at Walmart stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC.

The USDA-Food Safety Inspection Service - who issued the recall notice - said it is concerned that some product may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.