Customers are advised to search their cupboards and refrigerators for certain Hy-Vee brand cream cheese Recall and Cookies & Cream mix goods in eight states. On May 2, 2024, the Hy-Vee grocery chain announced a voluntary recall because of possible Salmonella exposure.
Products Affected by the Recall
The recall specifically targets three Hy-Vee brand products:
- Hy-Vee Whipped Cream Cheese Spread (8 oz.): This product is identified by “best by” dates of August 7, 2024 and August 14, 2024. No lot code is present.
- Hy-Vee Cream Cheese Spread (12 oz.): This product has a “best by” date of October 1, 2024. Similar to the whipped cream cheese spread, there is no lot code.
- Hy-Vee Cookies & Cream Mix (both 4 oz. and 16 oz. packages): These products are identified by a “best by” date of December 5, 2024. The following lot codes are included in the recall:
- 24073
- 24101
- 24117
Reason for the Cream Cheese Recall
The possible Salmonella contamination that led to the recall was discovered by a third-party manufacturer that provides Hy-Vee with these products. Crucially, as of right now, no illnesses have been linked to the recalled products.
States Impacted
These products were sold at Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore, and Dollar Fresh Market locations in the following states:
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
Risk of Salmonella Contamination
One kind of bacteria that can lead to foodborne sickness is salmonella. After eating tainted food, symptoms of a salmonella infection usually manifest 12 to 72 hours later and may include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
While most healthy individuals recover from Salmonella infection within a week, complications can arise in vulnerable populations. These populations include:
- Infants and young children
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- A Salmonella infection may result in acute dehydration and hospitalization for these people.
What to Do if You Have the Recalled Products
If you have any of the Hy-Vee cream cheese recall or Cookies & Cream mix products in your possession, it’s crucial to take the following steps:
- Do not consume the product.
- Discard the recalled merchandise. If you are going to throw them in the garbage, it is best to put them in a bag or sealed container.
- Any surfaces or containers that may have come into touch with the recalled products should be
- cleaned and sanitized. This covers storage spaces, utensils, and countertops.
How to Obtain a Refund
Consumers who purchased the recalled Hy-Vee products can return them to their local Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore, or Dollar Fresh Market location for a full refund. No receipt is necessary.
Additional Information
For more information about the Cream Cheesere call, you can contact Hy-Vee customer service. You can also visit the Hy-Vee website for the official press release on the recall [press release link can be found on the Hy-Vee website].
Preventing Salmonella Contamination
To assist avoid Salmonella contamination in your kitchen, consider the following general advice:
- Cook chicken and meat until it reaches a safe internal temperature. To make sure food is cooked properly, use a food thermometer.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
- Clean and sanitize cutting boards, utensils, and countertops after handling raw meat and poultry.
- Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat and poultry separate from other foods during preparation and storage.
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
- Do not thaw frozen food at room temperature. Thaw food in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
Bottom Lines
Avoid contracting foodborne illnesses by staying up to date on recalls and using this practical advice to safeguard your family.
FAQ’s
Q. Which Hy-Vee products are included in the recall?
A. The products are to recall include Hy-Vee Whipped Cream Cheese Spread (8 oz.), Hy-Vee Cream Cheese Spread (12 oz.), and Hy-Vee Cookies & Cream Mix (available in 4 oz. and 16 oz. sizes)
Q. How can customers identify the affected Hy-Vee cream cheese products?
A. You can identify the affected Hy-Vee cream cheese products by examining the “best by” dates and, for the Cookies & Cream Mix, the lot codes.
Q. Which states are affected by the recall?
A. Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Q. What signs could suggest a Salmonella infection?
A. Fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
Q. What steps should consumers take to receive a refund for the recalled products?
A. Customers can return the recalled products to any nearby Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore, or Dollar Fresh Market location, without needing a receipt.