Harvesters Issues Safety Alert on Bibi Frutix Candy Possible Chemical Contamination

On Tuesday, December 5, a partner food pantry agency in Wamego, Kansas notified Harvesters—The Community Food Network of potentially contaminated Bibi Frutix candy product it received through Harvesters’ distribution program.

The candy product is likely contaminated with a chemical substance and is potentially harmful if eaten. To date, there has been a report of one illness. The candy product is the shape of a small baby bottle and labeled “Bibi Frutix.” The product was donated to Harvesters. Harvesters estimates six cases or fewer of the candy product was received.

Harvesters followed recall procedures, including issuing a recall notice to all partner agencies (food pantries) and checking to see if any product remained in its warehouses. To date, no product has been found beyond what was involved in the initially reported incident in Wamego, Kan.

Harvesters’ agencies that could have received the product are located in the following 19 counties of Harvesters’ service area: Kansas: Johnson, Wyandotte, Miami, Franklin, Douglas, Jefferson, Shawnee, Nemaha, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee. Missouri counties are:
Jackson, Platte, Clay, Ray, Lafayette, Johnson and Bates. Harvesters continues to cooperate with local and state authorities to determine the potential scope of the distribution.

This may be an isolated incident. Out of concern for public safety, Harvesters is alerting the public. The safety of the public, Harvesters’ agency partners, volunteers, clients and staff is most important.

The FDA has advised, if a member of the community has possession of the candy product, do not consume the product and dispose of it immediately. People who experience symptoms should contact their health care provider for treatment. If you believe product you received was contaminated, you may file a complaint with the FDA consumer complaint coordinator for Kansas and Missouri at 1-800-202-9780.