Asher’s Recalls 41 Chocolate Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
The Kane County Health Department is advising residents that Asher’s Chocolates/Lewistown, Inc., an affiliated partner of Chester A. Asher Inc. (“Asher’s”), is initiating a voluntary recall of multiple chocolates, chocolate bars, cellophane wrapped chocolates and individually wrapped chocolates under the Asher’s brand due to possible Salmonella contamination of items produced in their Lewistown, PA., facility.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. However, the 41 recalled candy products were distributed nationwide in retail stores.
Salmonella is an organism which 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 with Salmonella 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.
A list of Asher brand products being recalled can be found by visiting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website.
The potential for contamination was noted after a single sample from routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in a group of products.
Consumers who may have purchased any of these products are urged not to consume them. Consumers should contact Asher’s customer service to arrange for return of the product and a refund. Customer service can be contacted by email at customerservice@lewistownashers.com or by calling (888) 288-3880 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
About the Kane County Health Department
In active partnership with our community, the Kane County Health Department improves the quality of life and well-being of all residents by developing and implementing local policies, systems, and services that protect and promote health, and prevent disease, injury and disability. Visit the Health Department’s Facebook Page and sign up for the award-winning “Health Matters” newsletter.
