FDA Recall: Quaker Granola Bars, Cereals Could Be Contaminated with Salmonella

On Friday, the Quaker Oats Company recalled over 40 different granola bar and granola cereal products due to possible Salmonella contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall included popular products like Quaker Chewy Bars and Quaker Simply Granola cereal. Certain Frito-Lay snack boxes that contain Chewy Bars are also mentioned in the recall.

Quaker said that no adverse health effects have been reported in connection to the recall.

That said, the company noted that Salmonella “can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”

The recalled granola bars and cereals were sold in all U.S. states, as well as in Puerto Rico, Guam, and Saipan.

Quaker did not provide information on which retailers might have sold the recalled items. It also didn’t mention where this potential for Salmonella contamination may have originated from.

The FDA and Quaker posted a list of each recalled product, including size, universal product code, and “best by” date so customers can identify them. The recall touches a wide range of “best by” dates, in many cases, from now until mid-2024.

Quaker recommends that consumers should check their pantries to see if they might have purchased any of the potentially contaminated granola bars or cereals. Any recalled products should be thrown away.

For more information or to request reimbursement, people who think they’ve purchased a potentially contaminated product can contact Quaker Customer Relations during normal business hours at 1-800-492-9322 or visit its website.

Why Is the Potential for Salmonella Contamination a Concern?

No Salmonella cases have been linked to this recall so far, but the possibility of contamination is a serious health concern. 

The Salmonella bacteria can cause salmonellosis, a type of foodborne illness, or food poisoning.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Salmonella causes 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the U.S. each year.

Salmonella infections are most commonly linked to raw chicken, raw turkey, or eggs. However, processed foods can become contaminated, as can other fruits and vegetables.

Within the last few months, the U.S. has seen other recalls and outbreaks of Salmonella linked to cantaloupe, diced onions, and ground beef.

If someone eats something that’s been contaminated with Salmonella, they’ll usually start to experience gastrointestinal symptoms between six hours and six days after the fact. Most people clear the infection in a week or less and do not need treatment.

In some cases, Salmonella infections can turn severe, and people may need to be hospitalized. In these situations, the bacteria can spread from the intestines to other parts of the body, which can be fatal.

Severe cases are more common in people who are pregnant, those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and children under the age of 5. The latter group may be a special point of concern, as Quaker’s Chewy Bars in particular are marketed as a snack parents can give to their kids.

If you’re concerned you may have eaten something that’s contaminated with Salmonella, reach out to a healthcare provider immediately.