Publix voluntarily recalls specific own-brand pancake and waffle mixes

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix Super Markets announced that it is issuing a voluntary recall for certain Publix Premium pancake and waffle mixes, in response to supplier concerns that milk powder used as an ingredient might contain Salmonella.

Publix stores in all six states the retailer operates in (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina) sold the potentially contaminated product. All lot codes of the following items are affected by the recall:

• Publix Premium Banana-Flavored Chocolate Chip Pancake & Waffle Mix.
• Publix Premium Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix.
• Publix Premium Blueberry Flavored Pancake & Waffle Mix.

Although most individuals infected with Salmonella recover from such symptoms as diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps without treatment, “diarrhea can sometimes be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized,” according to the FDA, which posted details about the Publix recall on its website at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm532382.htm. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness from Salmonella infection.

“As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted product has been removed from all store shelves,” said Maria Brous, Publix media and community relations director, in a statement. “To date, there have been no reported cases of illness. Consumers who have purchased the product in question may return their product to their local store for a full refund.”