King’s Hawaiian Buns Are Recalled Due to Possible Bacterial Contamination

Earlier this month, Lyons Magnus recalled over 80 drink products—including milk, protein drinks, and cold-brew coffees from brands such as  Intelligentsia, Oatly, Stumptown, and Premier Protein—because they might be contaminated with the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii or Clostridium botulinum. King’s Hawaiian pretzel buns and bites contain an ingredient involved in this recall.

“This is an unfortunate example of how a contaminated ingredient can quickly and easily spread across so many products so quickly,” says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety and testing at CR.

King’s Hawaiian didn’t immediately respond to CR’s questions about the specific ingredient that may be affected.

Although rare, Cronobacter infections are most likely to affect infants, people over age 65, and those who may have a weakened immune system from being sick with other conditions or who are receiving medical treatment. Clostridium botulinum produces a rare and potentially deadly toxin, botulinum, that affects the body’s nerves and may first affect the eyes, face, mouth, and throat and then can move on to a person’s neck, arms, torso, and legs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.