Candy Recall: Popular Treats Pulled from Major Retailers

If you’ve recently picked up a sweet treat from Walmart, Target, or your favorite local grocer, you might want to double-check your candy stash. A Palmer Candy recall has just been issued, and this one isn’t about mislabeling or missing ingredients – it's due to Salmonella contamination risks.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several white-coated confections made by Palmer Candy Company are being pulled from shelves in what’s known as a Class I recall – the agency's most serious category, meaning the product could cause serious health problems or even death if consumed. 

No illnesses have been reported so far, but the potential is enough to trigger a wide-scale recall. Together, let’s take a look at what you need to know, so you can keep your sweet tooth (and your digestive system) safe.

FDA Issues Nationwide Recall for Popular Candy Sold at Major Retailers

This white-coated confectionery recall started when Palmer Candy was alerted by one of its ingredient suppliers about the possible presence of Salmonella in the coating used on several of its products. 

These sweet treats – which include various white chocolate-coated pretzels, cookies, and candy mixes – have now become part of a Walmart candy recall, a Target candy recall. Other retailers across the U.S. are also involved.

Because the coating could be contaminated before it even hit the factory floor, Palmer Candy acted quickly, initiating a white-coated confectionery recall across several product lines and retailers. The move is precautionary but serious, especially considering how dangerous Salmonella can be.

What’s a Class I Recall?

The FDA doesn’t toss around Class I lightly. This label is reserved for recalls involving products that carry a reasonable chance of causing serious health issues. 

In this FDA Class I recall, consuming one of the affected candies could lead to a Salmonella infection, which can cause everything from fever and diarrhea to much more severe complications, especially in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you’ve indulged in some white-coated pretzels or candy lately, it’s worth checking those expiration dates and UPC codes. When in doubt, toss it out or try to return it for a refund.

How This Recall Compares to Other Candy Incidents

This isn’t the first time candy lovers have had to double-check their treats. Just recently, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company pulled some of its dark chocolate-covered macadamias off shelves at Walmart and Target because they may have contained undeclared almonds and cashews, posing a major risk to folks with nut allergies. Thankfully, no allergic reactions were reported.

That recall, like this one, was discovered during internal quality checks – a reminder that, behind the scenes, companies are (hopefully) watching closely. Still, with chocolate recalls becoming more and more common, from cookie dough to brownie mix, it’s fair to say that sweet tooth satisfaction isn’t always so simple.

What You Should Do If You Bought Affected Candy

If you recently bought a white-coated candy or snack, especially from Walmart or Target, take a look at the packaging. Palmer Candy has provided a list of products and lot numbers involved in the recall, available on the FDA’s website. It includes both seasonal and regular items.

You can return any affected products to the store for a full refund. Even if you’re not feeling sick, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re dealing with bacteria like Salmonella, which can be sneaky and take a few days to cause symptoms.

Stay Sweet, Stay Safe

No one wants to find out their favorite snack could land them in the ER. The Palmer Candy recall is a good reminder to stay informed and always give labels a second glance. While it’s comforting to know the issue was caught before any illnesses were reported, it’s still important to act quickly if you think you’ve bought one of the affected products.

As tasty as those white-coated treats might be, it’s not worth the risk. Stay safe, friends, and maybe give that bag of candy a second look before diving in.