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Monday, September 9, 2019

Imported Spice Packets Recalled After FDA Sampling Finds Salmonella

House of Spices, an Indian food specialty company, is recalling its Sambar Masala spice after FDA had tested and found that the product was positive for Salmonella.  Based on the picture of the packaged which was posted on the FDA website, the product was sourced from the Middle East.

As part of the requirements, the importer of this product, House of Spices, would have been required to have a FSVP, or Foreign Supplier Verification Program in place, and as part of that program, measures in place to ensure that the supplier of this product had controls for hazards.   And with spices, Salmonella would be a potential hazard.  These measures could include:
  • requiring a COA for each lot with sampling and testing from a reputable laboratory, 
  • an onsite audit to ensure that 1) spices are being properly treated and 2) the facility had controls to protect against environmental contamination in mixing and packing areas
  • the importers own testing protocol which would check incoming lots and serve as a verification of the COA.  One would be looking at large sample quantities (375 g rather than 25g) over multiple units within the lot. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/house-spices-india-issues-recall-mdh-sambar-masala-due-salmonella-contamination
House Of Spices (India) Issues Recall of "MDH Sambar Masala" Due To Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: September 07, 2019 
FDA Publish Date:September 07, 2019 
Product Type: Food & Beverages 
Reason for Announcement: Salmonella
Company Name: House Of Spices India 
Brand Name: MDH
Product Description:  MDH SAMBAR MASALACompany Announcement

House of Spices (India) is recalling different lots of “MDH SAMBAR MASALA”, 3.5oz (100g) UPC code 6291103750327. This product is produced by R-PURE AGRO SPECIALITIES and distributed by HOUSE OF SPICES (INDIA). This product was tested by FDA through a certified laboratory to be positive for Salmonella.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

The recalled MDH SAMBAR MASALA was distributed in northern California retail stores. The Lot Codes and Expiration dates are as follows:
LOT CODE  EXPIRATION DATE 
107 NOV 2021
48 DEC 2021
47 DEC 2021

The product comes in a 3.5 oz (100g), in a box with red and white MDH Logo. Below are pictures of the product.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered by the FDA that the Salmonella contaminated products were distributed.

Consumers who have purchased the MDH SAMBAR MASALA, 3.5 oz (100g) are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company or may send email to customerservice@HouseOfSpicesIndia.com or through www.hosindia.com or call (718) 507-4600. Our hours of operations are from 8:00am to 9:00am Monday to Friday (Eastern Time).

Consumers who have purchased the MDH SAMBAR MASALA, 3.5 oz (100g) are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company or may send email to customerservice@HouseOfSpicesIndia.com or through www.hosindia.comExternal Link Disclaimer or call (718) 507-4600. Our hours of operations are from 8:00am to 9:00am Monday to Friday (Eastern Time).

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