The ultra Ultra Slim-Fast? Massive product recall

By KATU News and KATU.com Staff Published: Dec 5, 2009 at 3:43 PM PST Last Updated: Dec 5, 2009 at 5:10 PM PST
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All "Ultra Slim-Fast" varieties in cans are subject to a voluntary recall issued Thursday, Dec. 3, by maker Unilever. The recall is "in cooperation with" the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. - The maker of the Slim-Fast diet drinks is recalling all of its Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans.

Officials at Unilever United States, the New Jersey company that makes the drinks, cites possible contamination by Bacillus cereus. This is a micro-organism that can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

The company says the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

The products were sold in stores nationwide, packaged in paperboard cartons containing four, six or 12 steel cans that are 11 fluid ounces (325 mL) each. Individual cans also are sold in some retail outlets.

The recall involves all Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans, regardless of flavor, Best-By date, lot code or UPC number. Complete list of recalled Slim-Fast products.

No Slim-Fast powdered shakes, meal bars or snack bars are affected by this recall. (Note that the attached video shows the powder, even though this recall does not impact that particular product.)

Unilever officials said the recall was initiated after the company conducted quality testing on Slim-Fast ready-to-drink 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," according to a Unilever press release. "The company is in the process of identifying and correcting the production issue, and will resume production and shipment of the product when the issue has been addressed and corrected."

Consumers who have purchased Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans are asked to discard them immediately and contact Unilever at 1 (800) 896-9479 for "a full refund," according to the release. The Consumer Services Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. A recorded message is available 24 hours per day.