What you need to know about the 2018 salmonella outbreaks, recalls
Pepperidge Farms is recalling four types of Goldfish Crackers because there is a chance whey powder used in the seasonings contain salmonella. USA TODAY
Salmonella recalls have been making rounds this summer. From Goldfish Crackers to cereal, nothing seems safe.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella is common in the United States. Salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths in the United States every year, the CDC said.
Here's what you need to know about the recent salmonella recalls:
What has been recalled?
Kellogg's Honey Smacks cereal - More than 100 people in 33 states have been sickened. There have been 30 hospitalizations and no deaths.
Pepperidge Farms Goldfish Crackers - There have not been any reports of illnesses linked to the recall.
Ritz Cracker Sandwiches and Ritz Bits - There have been no complaints of illness reported.
For more recalls, visit the CDC website.
A number of Ritz Crackers products are voluntarily being recalled after an ingredient used was possibly contaminated with Salmonella. Time
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that makes people sick. It is typically found in food and is more common in the summer.
Warmer weather and unrefrigerated foods create ideal conditions for salmonella to grow, the CDC said. The CDC estimates that food is the source for about 1 million illnesses a year in the US.
What are the symptoms?
Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after infection, according to the CDC.
The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most individuals recover without treatment.
In some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized and the infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, and then to other body sites. In these cases, salmonella can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics, the CDC said.
Older adults, children younger than 5, and people with immune systems weakened from medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and cancer or their treatment are most at risk.
What do I do if I have something that's under a recall?
According to FoodSafety.gov, if you find the food under recall in your home there are some easy steps to take.
- Don't panic - Many recalls are issued because there is a potential for the food to be contaminated. Often, food manufacturers issue a recall as a precautionary measure.
- Don’t eat the food.
- Don’t open the food- If you do open or handle the product, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for 20 seconds after handling it.
- Check the recall notice to find out what to do with the food - sometimes it can be returned for a refund, or it may have to be disposed