HHS HealthBeat (December 21, 2009)

The Slim-Fast recall

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Consumers are being warned not to use Slim-Fast canned drinks because these weight-loss products might be contaminated by bacteria. The company that makes Slim-Fast, Uniliver, issued the recall.

The bacteria, bacillus cereus, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. People generally get over it in 24 hours. But Food and Drug Administration spokesman George Strait says:

[George Strait speaks] "The FDA recommends that anyone who has consumed the recalled Slim-Fast product should see a healthcare provider if they experience either diarrhea or vomiting."

People who have the products should get rid of them. Unilever is offering a refund to consumers who call a toll-free number, 1-800-896-9479.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 7, 2011