Holiday Gingerbread Houses Recalled by Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market has issued a voluntary recall of gingerbread houses sold by Whole Foods Markets this holiday season. The recall is due to a possible staph food poisoning and includes several states.

The gingerbread houses involved in the recall were supplied by Rolf's Patisserie and were sold packaged in clear plastic wrap. Houses could have been sold either decorated or undecorated and mar or may not have a "Rolf's" sticker on the packaging. The recall of the Rolf's gingerbread houses is due to several staph food poisoning incidents from other Rolf's products.

The gingerbread houses recalled were made and sold after November 1, 2010 in the following states: Louisiana, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

Staph food poisoning is caused from the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The bacteria spreads quickly and is caused from the food not being kept hot or cold enough. Humans who consume the contaminated food can become infected with the bacteria.

Symptoms of staph food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, retching, stomach cramping, and diarrhea and usually start immediately after consuming the contaminated food. Dehydration, elevated blood pressure, headaches and rapid pulse may also be experienced in severe cases. Medical attention should be sought if any symptoms are severe.

Whole Foods Market issued the recall on December 24, 2010 and advises customers who have purchased the gingerbread houses to return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Whole Foods Market advises customers to call their business office at 512-542-0878 weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Sources:

WAFB News: Gingerbread house recall affects Louisiana

WebMD Staph Food Poisoning - Topic Overview