Jars of Con Queso Cheese Dip Recalled Due to Product Separation

KraftHeinz issued a recall for Taco Bell Con Queso Cheese Dip after the product separated in the jars.  The stated issue would be the potential for Clostridium botulinum growth.

The issue here is related to separation that creates a liquid phase and a solid phase.  Product was designed to be consistent throughout, which means that the water activity (Aw), a measure of the available moisture needed for bacterial growth, would be uniformly low to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum.   But if it separates, then a fraction would possibly have a higher water activity, sufficiently high enough to support the growth of Clostridium botulinum, and with that, the production of botulinum toxin.

Clostridium is the primary pathogen of concern because as a sporeformer, the spores would survive the heat processing treatment.  Other sporeformers may also be a concern, even those that can cause spoilage.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm614642.htm
Kraft Heinz Voluntarily Recalls Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip Distributed to Retailers
For Immediate Release
July 24, 2018


Contact
Consumers   1-800-310-3704
Media  Lynne Galia   lynne.galia@kraftheinz.com   847-646-4396

Announcement
View Product Photos

As a precaution, approximately 7,000 cases of Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip are being voluntarily recalled because the affected product is showing signs of product separation which can lead to a potential health hazard.

This could create conditions that could allow for the growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
There have been no consumer complaints or reports of illness related to this issue to date.

The following is being recalled:

Product Size  Name of Product  Packaging Description  Case Unit  Best When Used By Code Date
Individual Package  Best When Used By Code Date Individual Package UPC
Case UPC
15 oz. Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip Glass Jar 27 DEC 2018
23 JAN 2019 27 DEC 2018
23 JAN 2019 021000024490 21000024490
15 oz. Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip Glass Jar 01 NOV 2018
26 DEC 2018
27 DEC 2018
31 OCT 2018
23 JAN 2019 27 DEC 2018
23 JAN 2019 021000024490 21000066900

No other sizes, varieties or code dates of are included in this recall.

We deeply regret this situation and apologize to any consumers we have disappointed.

Consumers who purchased this product should not eat it and return it to the store where purchased for an exchange or full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-310-3704 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, for a full refund.

This product was distributed to retailers in the U.S. only and was produced and distributed by Kraft Heinz Foods Company.