The fallout from a massive recall over potential Salmonella contamination of granola bars and other oat products from PepsiCo-owned Quaker Oats may have begun, as the company announced it would close its Danville, Ill., processing plant, which the company had idled after the recalls began.
After review, the company said the Danville facility would require an extended closure as well as enhancements and modernization — which ultimately led to the decision to permanently shift production of Quaker products to other facilities. The Danville Quaker Oats plant has been one of the area’s largest manufacturing employers since 1969, according to local reports.
The plant is expected to close on June 8, 2024, with approximately 510 employees losing their jobs. PepsiCo human resources reportedly will conduct individual meetings with employees to discuss potential opportunities for jobs within the company elsewhere. The company is also working to provide support through the transition to new employment, it said.
The plant produced Quaker Chewy Bars as well as ready-to-eat cereals. A significant number of Quaker Chewy Bars varieties were recalled in December 2023 for possible Salmonella contamination — a recall that was then expanded twice in January 2024 to include more varieties. The recall included numerous cereal and snack bars as well as some of the brand’s ready-to-eat cereal and related products. No deaths or illnesses appear to have been reported due to consumption of these contaminated products.
