ucm506302Bounce USA of Bend, OR, is voluntary recalling the Bounce Apple Cinnamon Protein Punch Energy Balls — newly named Apple Cinnamon Protein Energy Balls — because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall was initiated when the supplier, SunOpta, notified the Oregon company of its expanded sunflower kernels recall due to the possibility that some sunflower kernels may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. “We would like to reassure all of our customers that we have not received any news of consumers being affected by illness to date,” the company’s recall notice states. The recalled products were distributed nationwide through retail stores and on-line through Amazon.com between Nov. 4, 2015, and June 6. No other Bounce products are affected. The recalled products can be identified by the following label information:

  • Bounce 1.48 oz. (42g) Apple Cinnamon Protein Punch Energy Balls — Product UPC Codes are 852949003723 for individual packs and 852949003730 for 12-unit boxes with Best Before Dates of 04SEP16 and 12NOV16;
  • Bounce 42g Apple Cinnamon Protein Energy Balls — Best Before Dates: 23 DEC16, 10 JAN17, 22 FEB17, 31MAR17 Product UPC codes are 852949003723 for individual packs and 852949003730 for 12-unit boxes with Best Before Dates of 23 DEC16, 10 JAN17, 22 FEB17, 31MAR17.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The potentially contaminated SunOpta sunflower kernels also spurred the recall of two varieties of Bounce energy balls in the United Kingdom, according to a notice from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. “As a precautionary measure, Bounce Food Limited is recalling batches of its Cashew & Pecan Vitality Lift Energy Balls and its Apple & Cinnamon Protein Punch Energy Balls, due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes,” according to the notice on the FSAI website. “Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the affected batches.” (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)