What is the recall on Chewy granola bars?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

In December 2023, The Quaker Oats Company initiated a voluntary recall of several products, including Chewy granola bars, over concerns about potential Salmonella contamination. This initial alert was expanded in January 2024 to include additional items, affecting numerous Chewy varieties sold across the United States. The recall was prompted by the discovery of Salmonella bacteria at one of the company's production facilities.

Quick Summary

A widespread recall for Quaker Chewy granola bars and related products was initiated in December 2023 and expanded in early 2024 because of potential Salmonella contamination. The affected items, manufactured at an Illinois facility, were widely distributed before production was halted and the plant was eventually closed.

Key Points

Recall Initiated: A voluntary recall for Quaker Chewy granola bars and other products began in December 2023 due to potential Salmonella contamination.
Recall Expanded: The initial recall was expanded in January 2024 to include additional Chewy bar varieties, snack mixes, and related products.
Contamination Source: The contamination was traced to a Quaker production facility in Danville, Illinois, which was later permanently closed.
Health Risk: Salmonella can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals.
Consumer Action: Consumers with recalled products should dispose of them or seek reimbursement through the official Quaker recall website.
Settlement Reached: A $6.75 million class action lawsuit settlement was approved in 2025 for consumers who purchased the recalled products.
Recall Concluded: The FDA officially terminated the recall process after confirming all affected products were removed from the market.

Background of the Quaker Chewy Granola Bar Recall

In December 2023, The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, announced a voluntary recall of specific granola bars, granola cereals, and snack mixes due to potential Salmonella contamination. This initial recall was a precautionary measure, and at the time, the company was not aware of any confirmed illnesses. The affected products included popular varieties such as Quaker Chewy Bars, Quaker Chewy Dipps, and Quaker Big Chewy Bars.

The Recall Expands in Early 2024

Following the initial announcement, Quaker expanded the recall twice in January 2024, adding more products to the list. The expanded list included several Chewy varieties, snack boxes containing Chewy bars, and even some Cap'n Crunch and Gamesa products also made at the same facility. The expanded recall in January included specific items like Quaker Chewy Dipps Llama Rama bars and Quaker Chewy Granola Bars with Yogurt. The contamination issue was traced back to a specific production facility in Danville, Illinois.

Comparison of Recalled and Unaffected Quaker Products

To help consumers identify which items were part of the recall, here is a comparison table of some products. Recalled items were distributed nationwide and had specific 'Best Before' dates ranging from early 2024 through October 2024, depending on the product.


Product Category	Recalled Examples	Status	Unaffected Examples	Status
Chewy Granola Bars	Chewy Bars (many flavors)	Recalled	Quaker Instant Oats	Not Recalled
Granola/Cereal Bars	Quaker Big Chewy Bars	Recalled	Quaker Oat Bran	Not Recalled
Granola Cereal	Quaker Simply Granola	Recalled	Quaker Grits	Not Recalled
Snack Variety Packs	Frito-Lay Snack Variety Pack with Quaker Chewy	Recalled	Quaker Rice Snacks	Not Recalled
Related Products	Cap'n Crunch Treat Bars	Recalled	Regular Cap'n Crunch Cereal	Not Recalled

Consumers should always verify their product's UPC codes and 'Best Before' dates against the official recall list for confirmation. The initial contamination did not affect all Quaker products, particularly other items like regular Quaker Oats, Instant Oats, or Quaker Grits which were produced elsewhere.

Quaker's Response and Facility Closure

The investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uncovered that the Salmonella strain found at the Danville plant had been present for at least three years, indicating prior contamination issues. In response, Quaker initially halted production at the Illinois plant. Citing the high cost of modernization needed to ensure food safety, the company announced its permanent closure in April 2024, which went into effect on June 8, 2024. This closure resulted in production being shifted to other facilities to prevent future incidents.

How to Handle Recalled Chewy Granola Bars

If you discover that you have purchased a recalled Chewy granola bar or another affected product, you should immediately take the following steps:

Do Not Consume: Eating products potentially contaminated with Salmonella can lead to serious illness, especially for vulnerable populations.
Dispose or Return: Throw away the product immediately in a sealed container, or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.
Seek Reimbursement: Visit the official recall website, www.quakergranolarecall.com, for information on how to seek reimbursement or contact Quaker Consumer Relations directly.

Class Action Lawsuit Settlement

The widespread recall and allegations of delayed action led to a class action lawsuit against The Quaker Oats Company. A settlement was reached in May 2025 for $6.75 million, which benefits consumers who purchased the recalled products in late 2023 and early 2024. Consumers who bought the affected products may be eligible for a cash payment from this settlement. The deadline to file a claim is June 27, 2025.

Conclusion: A Precautionary Measure with Significant Impact

The Quaker recall on Chewy granola bars was a significant event in food safety, stemming from Salmonella contamination at a manufacturing plant. It began in December 2023, expanded in January 2024, and ultimately led to the permanent closure of the affected facility in Illinois. While no confirmed illnesses were publicly reported early on, the recall was taken seriously due to the potential for severe health consequences. Consumers who purchased any recalled products were advised to dispose of them and seek reimbursement. The fallout from the recall also led to a class action lawsuit settlement, reinforcing the importance of diligent food safety protocols for manufacturers. For ongoing product safety, consumers should remain vigilant about checking recall alerts from the FDA and reputable sources. You can check the FDA's website for food safety alerts and additional information regarding this and other product recalls.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recall on Chewy granola bars was a voluntary recall by The Quaker Oats Company due to potential Salmonella contamination, affecting multiple Chewy bar varieties and other related products produced at a single manufacturing facility.

The initial recall was issued in December 2023 and was expanded to include additional products in January 2024. The recall was terminated by the FDA after the company took corrective actions.

The recall affected numerous varieties of Chewy bars, including Chewy Dipps, Big Chewy Bars, and certain snack variety packs that contained them. A complete list of affected products can be found on the official Quaker recall website.

If you possess any of the recalled products, you should not consume them. The company advised consumers to dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Yes. The recall has been officially terminated by the FDA, and Quaker has taken extensive measures, including closing the plant responsible for the contamination, to ensure consumer safety. Current products on the market are considered safe.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called salmonellosis. It can lead to fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. While most healthy individuals recover, it can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, infections in vulnerable populations.

Yes, Quaker offered reimbursements for recalled products. Additionally, a class action lawsuit settlement was reached, allowing eligible consumers to receive a cash payment for purchases made during the recall period.

Yes, in addition to Chewy bars, the recall affected several other Quaker products, including certain granola cereals, snack mixes, and some Cap'n Crunch items produced at the same facility.