Grape Tomatoes and Cilantro Recalled After Testing Positive for Salmonella

Grape tomatoes and cilantro are being recalled after product tested positive for Salmonella.  Both were conducted by the Minnesota Dept of Ag.  There have been no reported illnesses.  Distibution of tomatoes amd cilantro were limited to MN, WI, and MI

Menno Beachy Recalls Grape Tomatoes Because Of Possible Health Risk
Limited Distribution In Minnesota, Wisconsin, And Michiganhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm314871.htm?source=govdelivery

Contact:
Consumers:
(563) 203-4671

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 8, 2012 -Menno Beachy of Cresco, Iowa, is recalling one pint containers of Certified Organic Grape Tomatoes because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail, or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

A food distributor in Minnesota distributed 15 cases containing 12 one-pint containers of the affected grape tomatoes to retail stores located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan between 7/26/12-8/6/12.

The grape tomatoes are packaged in square-shaped clear plastic clamshell containers labeled as Menno Beachy Certified Organic Grape Tomato, UPC number 044419310176, with a net weight of one pint. There are no lot numbers or expiration dates on the clamshell label. The clamshell packages are distributed in cases that are printed with a lot number. The case lot numbers affected by the recall are MB725GT3, MB725GT8, and MB725GT0.

No illnesses have been associated with the product.

 Menno Beachy became aware of the contamination after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture collected a sample of the grape tomatoes located at the Minnesota distributor. The sample of lot number MB725GT0 found the grape tomatoes to be contaminated with Salmonella. Menno Beachy is investigating the source of the contamination.

Consumers who have the affected product should either discard it in the trash or return it to the point of purchase. Consumers with questions can leave a message on Menno Beachy’s voice mailbox at 563-203-4671 and he will return your call.
Cilantro salmonella warning for MN, WI
August 10, 2012
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/08/10/health/cilantro-salmonella-warning/

 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says consumers should not eat fresh cilantro sold at certain stores because of possible salmonella contamination.

Routine testing found a sample of the product contaminated with salmonella.

The fresh cilantro was sold in bunches that were shipped to retailers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan between July 26 and Aug. 6. All stores that received the cilantro have been notified to remove the product from their shelves.

The advisory applies only to cilantro shipped to the stores between July 26 and Aug. 6.

Consumers who bought the cilantro bunches are advised to throw them out or return them to the store for a refund.

No illnesses have been reported.

Minnesota is working with California regulators to determine the source of the product.