The Artisan Confections Company is voluntarily recalling its organic chocolate product, Dagoba New Moon Organic Rich Dark Chocolate, because salmonella was found in a single sample of chocolate during quality checks.
Salmonella is a bacteria that is sometimes found in food and more commonly in egg and meat products, but it can affect any food, particularly if there are unhygienic preparation practices.
Food infected with salmonella looks and tastes normal so it is not usually evident that there is anything wrong with it.
Salmonella poisoning can cause severe headaches, high fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Most people recover from salmonella poisoning with no problems and it doesn’t require medical treatment but it can cause life threatening complications in very young babies, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, due to dehydration. In these cases antibiotics may be offered.
The recall involves 33 cases of 0.32 oz squares that were sold nationwide online and through natural/specialty food retail outlets after October 27, 2010. The only affected products were sold from display boxes labeled with the code 37HLB11, UPC 10474-55509.
The withdrawal is a precaution only and there have been no reported cases of anyone becoming ill after eating the chocolate.
Customers who have purchased the chocolate should call Artisan Confections Consumer Relations line on: 866-608-6944.