(FDA)– The FDA is alerting consumers to possible hepatitis A contamination of Bauer’s Candies Modjeskas, an individually wrapped marshmallow candy dipped in chocolate or caramel. They are advising consumers not to eat and to throw away any Bauer’s Candies Chocolate or Caramel Modjeskas, purchased after Nov. 14 because a worker in the facility tested positive for hepatitis A.
These products are available at retail locations and can also be purchased through QVC and BauersCandy.com. The FDA is currently working with Bauer’s Candies, located in Kentucky, on a voluntary recall of affected products. This posting will be updated with recall and retail information as it becomes available.
At this time, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not aware of any cases of hepatitis A related to consumption of these candies. Hepatitis A can have a long incubation period and can have serious health consequences for some people, especially those with other health problems. Although the risk of hepatitis A transmission from the candy is low, FDA recommends that consumers who ate candies purchased after November 14, 2018 and have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated. PEP may be recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus (HAV) in the last 2 weeks; those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination do not require PEP.
The FDA is recommending that anyone who ate Bauer’s Candies Chocolate or Caramel Modjeskas purchased after Nov.14 consult with their healthcare provider to determine whether PEP is indicated. Consumers and retailers should throw away and not consume any chocolate or caramel Modjeskas purchased after Nov. 14.
