Hy-Vee, a popular supermarket chain, announced a voluntary recall of two types of cream cheese spreads and a bulk-packaged snack mix due to possible contamination with salmonella. The recall, done as a precautionary measure, was prompted by information received from the affected products' third-party manufacturers, according to an announcement released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The cream cheese spreads included in the recall are the eight-ounce Hy-Vee whipped cream cheese spread with use-by dates of August 7 and August 14, as well as the 12-ounce Hy-Vee cream cheese spread with a use-by date of September 1. Additionally, four-ounce packages of Hy-Vee to-go Cookies & Cream mix and 16-ounce packages of Hy-Vee Cookies & Cream Mix with specific use-by dates were also recalled.

A spokesperson for Hy-Vee stated that these recalls were initiated following larger recalls made by two suppliers across the country. The recall of the snack mix is related to the public Palmer Candy recall, which affected confectionary products sold by various retailers. Palmer Candy had been notified by their liquid coating supplier regarding a potential contamination with salmonella from an ingredient that may have been contaminated by one of their own suppliers.

No reports of illnesses or adverse reactions have been linked to the cream cheese spreads and snack mix. Hy-Vee carried out the recall as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety. Salmonella can cause temporary stomach issues and fever in healthy individuals, while it can lead to severe and potentially fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA.

The announcement by Hy-Vee urged consumers who have purchased the recalled products to dispose of them or return them to their place of purchase for a refund. The affected items were distributed to Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore, Dollar Fresh Market, and Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh convenience store locations in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin prior to the recall.

Hy-Vee assured customers that the recall does not impact any other cream cheese options or bulk-packaged items available for purchase. The company voluntarily removed all affected products from its shelves to prevent any potential harm to its customers.

In light of this recall, consumers are urged to remain vigilant and follow the guidance provided by Hy-Vee and other regulatory agencies to ensure their health and safety.