Ghirardelli recalls certain powdered beverage mixes

EATS PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has recalled four dozen lots of powdered beverage mixes due to concerns about foodborne illness.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall notice, the affected products were made with milk powder that may be contaminated with salmonella.

Ghirardelli said it took the voluntary action after another salmonella-related recall by California Dairies, Inc. The Golden State dairy cooperative provided the milk powder to a third-party manufacturer that used it as an ingredient in the beverage mixes.

“Neither we, our third-party manufacturer nor the milk powder supplier have received reports of illness or injury related to this issue to date, and our own rigorous testing has not identified any impacted powdered beverage mixes,” Ghirardelli said in a statement.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and quality of our products, and we’re taking this step out of an abundance of caution,” the company added.

The recalled mixes were sold in large packages intended for restaurant use. However, consumers could also purchase them online.

Salmonella can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections. Young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. For healthy individuals, infection may cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The recall notice says retailers should call 1-855-744-1426 to receive instructions on how to make a return and receive a replacement or refund.

Anyone who thinks they have consumed one of the recalled products should submit a request on Ghirardelli’s Contact Us page.