Contamination reports prompt consecutive macaroni and cheese recalls

By Mary Ellen Shoup

- Last updated on GMT

Possible Salmonella contamination has led to product recalls, including Great Value Macaroni Original Cups.
Possible Salmonella contamination has led to product recalls, including Great Value Macaroni Original Cups.

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Illinois-based TreeHouse Foods and Walmart’s Great Value have issued voluntary recalls on their macaroni and cheese products after learning of possible traces of Salmonella found in the milk powder. Similarly, Colorado-based Earth Balance is recalling its vegan macaroni and cheese after discovering a dairy allergen in the products.

“This follows notification from our supplier that the milk powder used in the seasoning has the potential for Salmonella contamination,”​ TreeHouse Foods officials said in their recall announcement.

There have been a number of companies announcing similar recalls after the FDA took action late last week to get rid of potentially contaminated products, TreeHouse Foods spokesperson Ron Bottrell told DairyReporter.

“It created a ripple effect,”​ Bottrell said. 

TreeHouse Foods received a notification from the supplier that its milk powder, which is used in the seasoning, may have Salmonella​ contamination. The company is urging anyone who has purchased the company’s Big Win Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Cheese Club Express Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, and Great Value Macaroni Original Cups products to return them for a full refund.

According to Bottrell the recall process may take a few weeks as the FDA must gain the proper documentation that the product has been taken off store shelves.

Not so vegan after all

The other recall issued by Boulder Brands of its Earth Balance vegan white and regular cheddar mac & cheese products was for possible dairy allergen contamination after several consumers informed that company about allergic reactions to the product.

All cheddar macaroni and cheese products manufactured under the Earth Balance brand with a 2017 expiration are being recalled and the company also advises customers to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company noted that no other Earth Balance products or any other products produced by Boulder Brand have been impacted by the recall.

“People with a dairy allergy or sensitivity run the risk of a serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product,” the FDA stated in the recall announcement.

The products are safe to consume for people who without dairy allergens, the company said. None of the other Boulder Brands or Earth Balance products have been affected by the recall. 

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