Fudge recall after salmonella concerns

PETOSKEY, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan candy company is recalling some of its sugar-free peanut butter fudge because an ingredient used to make it is associated with a recall linked to 35 salmonella illnesses in 19 states.

State officials say in a release Monday that Kilwins Quality Confections, Inc., of Petoskey, is recalling all 7-ounce packages of the peanut butter fudge sold in its retail stores between Oct. 1, 2011 and last Friday.

The packages bear the bar code 000648. No illnesses have been reported in connection with Kilwins' product.

The Food and Drug Administration says it has found salmonella at a Sunland, Inc., plant in New Mexico. The plant produces nut butters for national retailer Trader Joe's and several other grocery chains. The Trader Joe's peanut butter is linked to the salmonella illnesses.

Affected fudge may be returned for a refund or consumers may contact Kilwins at 231.758.3903, according to the Petosky News.

The Grand Rapids Kilwins on the corner of Monroe Center and Monroe Avenue never sold any of the affected fudge, according to store management.