Twinkie Recall Update 2017: Salmonella Concerns Cause Companies To Call Back Products Amid Expanding Recall Of Valley Milk Products’ Milk Powder Ingredients

Hostess Brands has issued a recall for its Holiday White Peppermint Hostess Twinkies, one of many products that have been called back in announcements by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in connection with the expanding recall of milk powder ingredients produced by Valley Milk Products.

Hostess recalled Monday multipack boxes, with nine cakes in each, after a recall by Blommer Chocolate Co. — which produced the confectionery coating used on the holiday Twinkies — was announced recently. The confectionary coating contains milk powder ingredients recalled by Valley Milk Products over possible salmonella contamination.

“These products are not sold directly to consumers, but are used (as) ingredients in a number of foods such as bakery products and distributed by brokers,” Valley Milk Products said in the recall statement. However, no samples of milk powder have tested positive for the bacteria, the company maintains.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and, in some cases, fatal infections in young children, elderly people, or those with weakened immune systems. Salmonella infection in healthy people can cause symptoms like fever, diarrhea (possibly bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In certain rare circumstances, the infection can lead to the organism entering the bloodstream and causing more severe illnesses like arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis, the FDA said.

While the White Peppermint Twinkies are the only Hostess products being recalled, Palmer Candy Co. has issued a recall for a number of chocolate confections — covered pretzels, almond and peppermint bark and candy party bowls — in connection with the recall by Valley Milk Products.

“We are truly sorry for any distress this recall causes to our retail customers and to consumers,” said Marty Palmer, president and chief executive officer of Palmer Candy, in the recall statement. “We remain committed to the highest standards in food quality and safety. We are taking this recall very seriously and truly appreciate the cooperation of our customers as we work to resolve this matter promptly.”

Consumers are urged to throw out recalled items or return them to stores for a refund.