Candy sold by a Kentucky company and QVC is being voluntarily recalled for fear that it might be contaminated with hepatitis A, according to a U.S. Food and Drug recall notice.
Bauer’s Candies’ famous Modjeskas, individually-wrapped marshmallow candies dipped in chocolate or caramel, came in contact with a facility worker who tested positive for the contagious liver disease. Customers who purchased the gourmet candies after Nov. 14 should throw the candies away, according to the FDA.
The employee who tested positive for the virus worked at the company until Nov. 23. Anna Bauer, president of Bauer’s Candies, said in a statement that the company voluntarily discarded all in-house candy, sanitized equipment and began working with federal state agencies after learning of the possible contamination. She said no candy products made after Nov. 25 were affected.
The FDA says the risk of contracting hepatitis from the candies is low, but advises customers who ate the recalled candy contact their doctor to see if they need medication to prevent a possible infection.
People infected with HAV, the infection that causes hepatitis A, might not experience symptoms until up to 50 days after exposure.
Hepatitis A is spread when people consume even small amounts of fecal matter from an infected person. Symptoms include limited appetite, stomach pain, nausea, jaundice and fatigue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.