Ghirardelli has recalled more than a dozen of its powdered beverage mixes over concerns that the products could be contaminated with salmonella. Consumers are urged to check their pantries for any hot cocoa or frappe mixes included in the recall, announced by the San Francisco chocolate company on Monday.
Salmonella Risks
Salmonella bacteria are a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Healthy individuals infected with salmonella typically experience fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, as detailed in a company recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday. Young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of death from salmonella infection.
Reason for Recall
Ghirardelli initiated the recall after California Dairies, Inc. recalled milk powder over potential salmonella contamination. The milk powder was supplied to a third-party manufacturer and used as an ingredient in the powdered drink mixes.
The chocolate company stated it was issuing the recall “out of an abundance of caution” and that no illnesses have been reported so far. “Neither we, our third-party manufacturer nor the milk powder supplier have received reports of illness or injury related to this issue to date, and our own rigorous testing has not identified any impacted powdered beverage mixes,” Ghirardelli said in a statement. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety and quality of our products, and we’re taking this step out of an abundance of caution.”
Products Recalled
The recalled drink mixes are sold in bulk and intended for food service, but some may have also been sold to consumers online. The full list of recalled products includes:
- 30-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe with best-by dates from May 31, 2027, to August 31, 2027
- 30-pound Classic White Frappe; best-by date July 31, 2027
- 4-count 2-pound Premium Hot Cocoa Pouch Bulk with best-by dates from May 31, 2027, to June 30, 2027
- 6-count 3-pound Chocolate & Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder with best-by dates from December 31, 2027, to January 31, 2028
- 6-count 3.12-pound White Chocolate Flavored Sweet Ground Powder; best-by date July 31, 2027
- 6-count 3-pound Vanilla Frappe Mix with best-by dates from March 31, 2027, to July 31, 2027
- 6-count 3.12-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix with best-by dates from February 28, 2027, to June 30, 2027
- 6-count 3.12-pound Classic White Frappe Mix with best-by dates from June 30, 2027, to July 31, 2027
- “10#” Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix; best-by date July 31, 2027
- “10#” Classic White Frappe Mix with best-by dates from July 31, 2027, to August 31, 2027
- 6-count 3.12-pound White Mocha Frappe Mix with best-by dates from May 31, 2027, to July 31, 2027
- 6-count 3.12-pound Mocha Frappe Mix with best-by dates from April 30, 2027, to August 31, 2027
- 6-count 3.12-pound Frozen Hot Cocoa Frappe Mix with best-by dates from May 31, 2027, to September 30, 2027
Consumer Guidance
Consumers who purchased any of the recalled products are advised to contact Ghirardelli at 1-844-776-0419. Ghirardelli stated that it is “working with our partners to return or dispose of potentially impacted powdered beverage mixes distributed to customers who have been informed of the recall.”
