The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and NutriSystem Canada ULC are warning the public not to consume NutriSystem brand peanut butter granola bars (Canadian version) because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The affected product is sold in 40g packages bearing UPC 6 32674 37016 7 and lot code TC05219B.
The product was sold exclusively through the Canadian NutriSystem website (www.nutrisystem.ca) and the Shopping Channel (www.theshoppingchannel.com).
The CFIA said there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. However, food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled, but these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a food-borne illness.
In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis can cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications can include severe arthritis.
NutriSystem Canada ULC is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace and the CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:
— NutriSystem Canada at 1-877-368-8446 or by e-mail, pbbar@nutrisystem.com;
— CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
Information on salmonella is available on the CFIA Food Facts webpage at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/salmonellae.shtml.