Summit Grocers Pull Slim-Fast from Shelves

The makers of Slim-Fast products, unilever United States, Inc., have issued a nationwide voluntary recall of all ready-to-drink 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, according to a release issued today by the Food and Drug Administration.

The probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote, the company says. The products effected are packaged in paperboard cartons and contain four, six or 12 steel cans or individual cans that are 11 fluid ounces (325 mL) each.  The recall involves all Slim-Fast RTD products in cans, regardless of flavor, Best-By date, lot code or UPC number. No other Slim-Fast products are affected by this recall.

Cheryl Good, manager of consumer affairs at Kings, said the store has pulled their Slim Fast drinks off the shelves and has not heard any complaints from customers yet. Good also said the tab for the recalled products will be picked up by the manufacturer.

A representative from the Summit Food Market said they are aware of the recall and the one can he thinks they had left has been pulled.

The recall was initiated after the company conducted quality testing on Slim-Fast RTD products in cans. Out of 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 thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.  A recorded message is available 24/7.