Whole Foods recalls assembled gingerbread houses sold for holidays

DENVER – Gingerbread houses sold by Whole Foods Market stores during the run-up to Christmas are the subject of a recall spurred by bacterial contamination that can cause severe stomach problems, according to Colorado health officials.

The state Department of Public Health and Environment this week issued a consumer warning to alert consumers who purchased assembled gingerbread houses from Whole Foods Market stores between Nov. 1 and Dec. 23 that the product has been linked to several food poisoning outbreaks across the nation caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

The gingerbread houses were sold at Colorado Whole Foods Market bakery departments and are packaged in clear plastic wrap with a Whole Foods Market label. Some labels also may list the manufacturer’s name, Rolf’s Patisserie. The gingerbread houses are trimmed with white icing and are sold as “ready for decoration.”

“Consumers who have any of the gingerbread houses should not eat them but return them to the place of purchase for a refund,” according to the CDPHE alert. If consumers want to simply throw away the gingerbread houses, the health agency recommends securing them in a closed plastic bag, then placing them in a sealed trash can “to prevent people or animals, including wild animals, from eating the product,” according to the alert.

Health officials say the gingerbread houses have been linked to several outbreaks of S. aureus food poisoning in 23 other states. No illnesses attributed to the product have been reported in Colorado and Whole Foods has posted signs in its stores notifying customers of the recall.

“Any food item contaminated with S. aureus, a bacterium responsible for producing toxins in foods, can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea,” according to the state health agency.

The symptoms usually last one to two days, although severe cases may last as long as three days, but certain individuals, including the elderly or very young, may require medical treatment for dehydration.

The alert urges people who have consumed the gingerbread houses and are experiencing any of the above symptoms to contact their health care provider.

Consumers with questions may contact Whole Foods Market at 512-542-0878 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. MST.