10 million diet Slim-Fast drinks recalled in Canada and U.S.

Around 10 million cans of the popular diet drink Slim-Fast have been recalled in Canada and the U.S. for possible bacterial contamination that could lead to faster weight loss from diarrhea.

ENGLEWOOD, NJ - Unilever has initiated a massive U.S. and Canada-wide recall of all Slim-Fast ready to drink products in cans because of possible bacterial contamination. The company says the product may contain ”Bacillus cereus, a micro-organism, which may cause diarrhea and possibly nausea and/or vomiting.” “The probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,” it said. The products were sold in stores nationwide in Canada and the U.S. A company spokeswoman contacted in New Jersey said the recall is massive and involves 10 million cans. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency also issued a warning to consumers. “The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Unilever Canada Inc are advising the public not to consume Slim-Fast ready-to-drink meal replacement shake products described below because they may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus, a micro-organism that may cause vomiting or diarrhea. The probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.,” CFIA said in an announcement. Product Description: The products are packaged in paperboard cartons and contain four, six or 12 steel cans that are 11 FL OZ (325 mL) each. Individual cans are also sold in certain retail outlets. The recall involves all Slim-Fast® RTD products in cans, regardless of flavor, Best-By date, lot code or UPC number. No other Slim-Fast® products are affected by this recall. No Slim-Fast® powdered shakes, meal bars, or snack bars are affected by this recall. “The recall was initiated after the company conducted quality testing on Slim-Fast® RTD products in cans,” the company said. “ Out of an abundance of caution, the company is recalling all RTD products in cans that are currently in distribution centers, on-shelf or in back rooms in retail outlets or in consumers’ homes. “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® RTD products in cans are urged to discard them immediately and contact the company at 1-800-896-9479 for a full refund. The Consumer Services Center is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM ET. A recorded message is available 24/7.