Bauer’s Candies Recalls Candy That May Be Contaminated With Hepatitis A

Andrea Beck

01/11/2019 — Bad news for chocolate fans: Bauer’s Candies just announced a recall of their popular Modjeskas, marshmallow candies dipped in either chocolate or caramel, due to possible hepatitis A contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers to throw away any Bauer’s Chocolate or Caramel Modjeskas purchased after November 14, 2018.

Image courtesy of Bauer's Candies
Image courtesy of Bauer's Candies

The contamination may have been caused by a worker in the facility who tested positive for hepatitis A. Even though the risk of consumers getting sick is relatively low, the FDA is still recommending that any consumers who at candies purchased after November 14 and haven’t been vaccinated for hepatitis A talk with their doctor or primary healthcare professional to find out if taking an antiretroviral medication (called post-exposure prophylaxis) is necessary. Medication may be recommended if you’re unvaccinated and have been exposed to hepatitis A in the past two weeks—if you’ve already had the hepatitis A vaccination, medication shouldn’t be necessary.

Image courtesy of Bauer's Candies
Image courtesy of Bauer's Candies

The candies included in the recall are sold at retailers nationwide, and can also be purchased through QVC and on Bauer’s Candies’ website. If you bought either Bauer’s Chocolate Modjeskas or Caramel Modjeskas after November 14, don’t eat them and throw them out right away.

Related: All the Current Food Recalls You Should Know About

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that’s a result of infection with HAV. People that have been infected with HAV may not experience symptoms until 15 to 50 days after being exposed. Symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (known as jaundice), dark urine, and pale stool. When symptoms occur, they can vary from a mild illness (that still lasts a few weeks) to a severe illness that lasts for several months.

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Hepatitis A is most commonly spread when someone ingests fecal matter (even in microscopic amounts) from an infected person. People can spread the illness even before showing symptoms. Hepatitis A can spread when an infected person prepares food without properly washing their hands or wearing gloves, which is why you shouldn’t take a chance with any candy included in this recall.