Federal health authorities have warned consumers not to eat a candy made in Kentucky over concerns of possible hepatitis A contamination.
Bauer's Candies
The FDA advised consumers to not eat and throw away any Bauer's Candies Modjeskas purchased after Nov. 14 2018. The products are sold at retail locations and are also available for sale through QVC and BauersCandy.com
It said that these individually wrapped marshmallow candies dipped in either chocolate or caramel could be contaminated after a worker at the manufacturer's facility in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky tested positive for hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a communicable liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter from an infected person, which can happen when the infected person prepared food without observing proper hygiene.
"It is usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or consumption of contaminated food or water," the CDC said.
Most infected children less than 6 years old are asymptomatic but most adults experience symptoms of infection, which can range in severity from a mild illness that lasts a few weeks to a more severe illness that can last for several months. Infection can also have serious health consequences for some individuals, particularly those with existing health problems.
Common symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, low appetite, nausea, and jaundice.
Advice To Consumers Who Ate Potentially Contaminated Candies
No case of hepatitis A linked to consumption of the candies has been reported to date, but hepatitis A may have a long incubation period.
The FDA said that it is currently working with Bauer's Candies for a voluntary recall of the affected products.
The agency said that while the risk of hepatitis A transmission from the candy is low, consumers who ate candies bought after Nov. 14 and have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A should see a healthcare professional.
"Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP] may be recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus (HAV) in the last 2 weeks; those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination do not require PEP," the FDA said.
