Slim-Fast Launches Recall of 10 Million Cans

The maker of Slim-Fast announced a recall of its canned, ready-to-drink products due to

possible bacterial contamination.

Unilever, the company which also makes products like Skippy peanut butter and Ragu pasta

sauce, said the weight-loss drink may be tainted by Bacillus cereus, which can cause

diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Rita Chappelle said the recall affects 10

million cans distributed in the United States.

Unilever (UL) said it is still in the process of identifying and correcting the production

problem that led to the contamination. The FDA, which was notified by Unilever of the

possible contamination on Dec. 2, is currently investigating the company's production

facility in Covington, Tenn.

All Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products served in cans, regardless of flavor, best-by dates,

lot code or UPC number that are currently in retail distribution centers, on store shelves,

in warehouses or in consumer homes are being recalled, the company said Thursday.

The recall does not apply to other Slim-Fast branded products, such as powdered shakes, meal

bars or snack bars.

Englewood Cliffs, N.J.-based Unilever urges consumers who have purchased the possibly

hazardous products to discard them immediately and contact the company at 1-800-896-9479 for

a full refund.