FDA issues warning that some chocolate candies may be contaminated with hepatitis A

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning to consumers about certain candies made in Kentucky that could be contaminated with hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver disease, the New York Post reported.

The FDA's warning affects Bauer's Candies Chocolate or Caramel Modjeskas. Consumers and retailers have been advised to throw away and not to eat the affected candies purchased after Nov. 14.

Chocolate and Caramel Modjeskas were sold on QVC, through various retailers, and on the company's website.

The FDA has been working with the 130-year-old candymaker on a voluntary recall after a worker at the Bauer's facility in Kentucky tested positive for hepatitis A.

Has anyone gotten sick from the candy?

The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agencies are not aware of any hepatitis A cases related to the consumption of these candies, according to the release.

Risk of infection from consuming the candies is considered low, but anyone who may have eaten the affected candies is advised to see their doctor, especially those who haven't been vaccinated against hepatitis A.

What is hepatitis A?

It is a virus that causes liver inflammation. It can be spread through contaminated food or water.

"Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from an infected person; this can happen when an infected person prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene, even before that person shows symptoms of illness," the FDA said.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and pale stool.

What did Bauer's do about it?

"Bauer's voluntarily closed the facility, discarded all candy in house, sanitized per protocol, and began working with Federal and State agencies," the company said in a statement.

"An investigation by our local health department and the FDA found that the risk of contamination to the candy made during this time is extremely low. These agencies have cleared us to continue operation. No candy products manufactured after November 25 are affected in any way."