California-based Clif Bar & Company is recalling a number of its products over possible Listeria contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced.
Although the Clif Bar makers have not received any complaints or reports of illness, the company is making a voluntary recall after SunOpta, its ingredient supplier, was revealed to have distributed sunflower kernels that were possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The products included in the recall are:
• All pack configurations of Clif Bar Sierra Trail Mix energy bars with coded or best by date range of June 5, 2016 to March 24, 2017
• All pack configurations of Clif Bar Nuts & Seeds energy bars with coded or best by date range of June 8, 2016 to Jan. 21, 2017
• All pack configurations of Clif Mojo Mountain Mix trail mix bars with coded or best by date range of June 16, 2016 to Feb. 2, 2017
Other Clif Bar products and flavors are not affected by the recall.
Those who have bought the recalled products are strongly advised not to consume them. For consumer queries, Clif Bar Consumer Services can be reached at 1-888-851-8456.
"Clif Bar & Company cares deeply about the health and safety of consumers and we apologize for any inconvenience," the company wrote in a press release.
Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found in soil and water and can cause serious illnesses. Human infection is usually through consumption of contaminated food. The bacteria can be present in raw milk and cheese, uncooked vegetables and meats and processed food items.
Individuals infected with the bacteria would often complain of fever and muscle pain, which are preceded by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Other symptoms may include stiff neck, convulsion, confusion, loss of balance and headache.
Pregnant women and those with suppressed immune systems often have more serious symptoms, as the disease can become invasive.
Hy-Vee has also previously issued a recall of its fried rice because of possible risk of Listeria contamination.
Photo: Richard Masoner | Flickr
