Unilever Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Slim-Fast Ready-to-Drink Products in Cans Due to Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Englewood Cliffs, NJ, December 3, 2009 - Unilever United States, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of all Slim-Fast ready-to-drink (RTD) products in cans, due to the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus, a micro-organism, which may cause diarrhea and possibly nausea and/or vomiting. The probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
The products were sold in stores nationwide.
Product Description:
The products are packaged in paperboard cartons and contain four, six or 12 steel cans that are 11 FL OZ (325 mL) each. Individual cans are also sold in certain retail outlets. The recall involves all Slim-Fast RTD products in cans, regardless of flavor, Best-By date, lot code or UPC number. A listing of all RTD recalled products is attached to this press release.
No other Slim-Fast products are affected by this recall. No Slim-Fast powdered shakes, meal bars, or snack bars are affected by this recall.
The recall was initiated after the company conducted quality testing on Slim-Fast RTD products in cans. Out of an abundance of caution, the company is recalling all RTD products in cans that are currently in distribution centers, on-shelf or in back rooms in retail outlets or in consumers' homes. The company is in the process of identifying and correcting the production issue, and will resume production and shipment of the product when the issue has been addressed and corrected.
Consumers who have purchased Slim-Fast RTD products in cans are urged to discard them immediately and contact the company at 1-800-896-9479 for a full refund. The Consumer Services Center is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM ET. A recorded message is available 24/7.