Slim-Fast recall due to Bacillus cereus

The maker of Slim-Fast announced a voluntarily recall of its canned, ready-to-drink products due to possible bacterial contamination. Unilever, the company which also makes products like Skippy peanut butter and Ragu pasta sauce, said the weight-loss drink may be tainted by Bacillus cereus, which can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Rita Chappelle said the recall affects 10 million cans distributed in the United States.

Unilever (UL) said it is still in the process of identifying and correcting the production problem that led to the contamination. The FDA, which was notified by Unilever of the possible contamination on Dec. 2, is currently investigating the company's production facility in Covington, Tenn. Five consumers had reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, but the company added that the risk of serious illness is remote.

All Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products served in cans, regardless of flavor, best-by dates, lot code or UPC number that are currently in retail distribution centers, on store shelves, in warehouses or in consumer homes are being recalled, the company said Thursday.

The recall does not apply to other Slim-Fast branded products, such as powdered shakes, meal bars or snack bars.

The company said it is working to determine the production issue that caused the contamination. It has halted production.

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