State Consumer Commissioner Announces Slim-Fast Drink Recall

HARTFORD — Department of Consumer Protection Food Inspectors are contacting retailers to enforce a nationwide recall of all Slim-Fast ready-to-drink (RTD) products in cans, agency commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, said this week.

Unilever United States, Inc, in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched the voluntary recall due to the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus, a micro-organism that may cause diarrhea and possibly nausea and/or vomiting.

The popular canned drink products were sold in stores nationwide, individually or packaged in paperboard cartons containing four, six, or twelve 11-ounce cans.

“All Slim-Fast drinks in cans, regardless of flavor, lot code, or UPC number, are recalled,” Mr Farrell said. “This is a huge number of items, and I strongly encourage persons who have Slim Fast in cans to not drink them and contact the company for a refund. By passing the word along to your friends and family members as well, you may help prevent someone from becoming ill.”

Products include all flavors of Slim-Fast Ready to Drink Classic, Ready to Drink 3-2-1, Ready to Drink Low Calorie, Ready to Drink Low-Carb, Ready to Drink Optima, and Ready to Drink Optima Plus Protein drinks.

Slim-Fast powdered shakes, meal bars, or snack bars are not affected by this recall.

The recall was initiated after the company conducted quality testing on Slim-Fast products in cans. Out of an abundance of caution, the company is recalling all ready-to drink products in cans that are currently in distribution centers, on-shelf, or in back rooms in retail outlets or in consumers’ homes.

The company is in the process of identifying and correcting the production issue, and will resume production and shipment when the issue has been addressed and corrected.

Consumers who have purchased Slim-Fast drink products in cans are urged to contact the company at 800-896-9479 for a full refund. The company’s Consumer Services Center is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 am to 6 pm ET. A recorded message is available 24/7.

“While the probability of serious adverse health effects is low, no one wants to be made nauseous or ill from something they’ve consumed,” Mr Farrell said. “Our agents will remain in the field making sure these items are taken off sale.”