Seattle’s Theo Chocolate recalls “Peanut Butter Big Daddy” and Peanut Confections

Seattle’s Theo Chocolate, Inc. has recalled its Peanut Butter Big Daddy and  its Peanut Confections products because it is possible that they are contaminated with Salmonella.

The company says no illnesses have been linked to these products, but the company decided to issue the recall after it determined that the products contain organic peanut splits from the Peanut Corporation of America’s facility in Plainview, Texas, which has been shut down by Texas health authorities.

Another Peanut Corporation of America facility in Blakely, Georgia has been shut down after it was identified as the source of a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 640 people nationwide and may be responsible for 8 deaths.

For specific information about the recalled products please read the press release from Theo Chocolate, Inc. at the end of this story.

You can also look up other products that have been recalled using the “widget” below that is maintained by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or go to the FDA’s web site where you can find a searchable list of recalled products.

FDA Product Recall List

Photo Credit: Salmonella NIAID

Theo Chocolate Issues Nationwide Recall of “Peanut Butter Big Daddy” and Peanut Confections Due to Possible Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –Seattle, WA — February 17, 2009 — Theo Chocolate, Inc., Seattle, Washington is voluntarily recalling Peanut Butter Big Daddy and Peanut Confections because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Theo Chocolate’s other products are not involved in the recall.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection withSalmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Peanut Butter Big Daddy and Peanut Confections were sold through retailers nationwide, direct to consumers from our website and at the Theo Chocolate Factory store in Seattle.

Theo Brand PEANUT BUTTER BIG DADDY contains 3 pieces in a brown cardboard package with a red and white sleeve and the UPC code: 8-74492-00023-3. This product has a 90-day shelf life with a “BEST BY” sticker located on the underneath of the package. Affected “BEST BY dates” are 8/15/2008 to 2/28/2009.

Theo Brand 12 PIECE COLLECTION BOX 4.5 oz contains peanut confections with peanut sprinkles, or individual, loose peanut confections purchased from the Theo Retail Store or website in 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 or 32 piece brown cardboard box packaging and no UPC codes. These products had a two-week shelf life and “BEST BY” dates of 8/15/2008 to 12/15/2008.

No known illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product. This recall was initiated after it was determined that that the peanut product (organic peanut splits) received from our supplier, GloryBee Foods, may have been manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at their Texas facility. Theo Chocolate has informed FDA of its actions and is fully cooperating with the Agency.

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to destroy them but retain the “Best By/Sell By” code found on the back of the package. Consumers with questions or requesting a refund may contact Theo Chocolate at (206) 632-5100. Details also can be found at Theo Chocolate

Photo: Product Labels

Tags: Peanuts, Product Recall, Salmonella, Theo Chocolate

Category: Digestive System, Product Recall, Salmonella