Organic Parsley Product Recalled After Testing Finds Salmonella in Same Lot

Red Monkey Foods, Inc. is recalling select organic parsley and another product made with this parsley after a recall was issued by its supplier, High Quality Organics (HQO). HQO issued a recall for this lot of parsley after another customer tested and found Salmonella in a portion of this same lot. 

The product was shipped nation wide under Cost Plus , Great Value, O Organics and Full Circle.  There have been no reported illnesses.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/red-monkey-foods-inc-recalls-parsley-and-herbes-de-provence-because-possible-health-risk
Red Monkey Foods, Inc. Recalls Parsley and Herbes De Provence Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 13, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 13, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Red Monkey Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Cost Plus World Market, Great Value, O Organics, Full Circle
Product Description:  Parsley and Herbes De Provence

Company Recalls Spice Items After Notification by Ingredient Supplier of Potential Salmonella Risk

Sauer Brands, Inc. is  recalling a number of its The Spice Hunter Products due to the potential for  Salmonella. The Salmonella was associated with lots of parsley were used on two specific days in production.   The company states that after initially certifying that the raw material had tested negative for Salmonella, the parsley supplier notified the company that specific lots of organic parsley had the the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The company then went and recalled other products produced on those same days out of an abundance of caution regarding potential cross contamination.  

This supplier issue forced the company to evaluate its other products that were produced at the same time as when they handled the potentially contaminated ingredient.  Generally once spices are cleared through testing, they should be good to go.  But what happens when your supplier then calls and says that there may be an issue with one of those approved lots of spice?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sauer-brands-inc-voluntarily-recalls-certain-spice-hunter-products-because-potential-salmonella
Sauer Brands, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Certain The Spice Hunter Products Because of Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 12, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 12, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Sauer Brands, Inc.
Brand Name:  The Spice Hunter
Product Description:  Spices and blends 

Cinnamon Apple Chips Recalled Due to Potential for Salmonella Contamination in Spice

Seneca Snack Company, a Washington Corporation, is recalling its Seneca Cinnamon Apple Chips and Clancy’s Cinnamon Apple Chips after a supplier notified them that a lot of cinnamon ingredient had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.   This only affects Clancy’s product sold by ALDI and Seneca products sold nationwide through Amazon and Gemline.  There have been no know reported cases of illness.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/seneca-recalls-cinnamon-apple-chips-because-possible-health-risk
Seneca Recalls Cinnamon Apple Chips Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 02, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  October 05, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Possible Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Seneca Snack Company
Brand Name:  Seneca, Clancy’s
Product Description:  Seneca Cinnamon Apple Chips and Clancy’s Cinnamon Apple Chips

Kansas Spice Company Recalls Taco Seasoning After Notified by Ingredient Supplier of Potential Salmonella Contamination

Williams Foods issued a recall for their taco seasoning after their cumin supplier notified them that another cumin customer had tested and found Salmonella in a lot of cumin product, the same lot sold to Williams.

"These items contain cumin spice involved in a recall initiated by our supplier, Mincing Spice Co. Mincing has issued a recall for a specific lot of cumin they produced because a sample from that lot was tested by one of Mincing's customers and was found to be potentially contaminated with Salmonella. A portion of the lot recalled by Mincing was supplied to Williams Foods, LLC".

What were the supplier verification activities and now how does the company change them to reflect the increased risk?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/williams-foods-llc-initiates-voluntary-recall-taco-seasoning-product-due-possible-presence
Williams Foods LLC Initiates a Voluntary Recall of Taco Seasoning Product Due to Possible Presence of Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 25, 2019
FDA Publish Date: July 25, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to possible presence of Salmonella contamination
Company Name: Williams Foods LLC
Brand Name:  Great Value, HEB
Product Description:  Taco Seasoning Products

Another Recall of Raw Beef Due to Contaminated Marinade Seasoning Mix

A second raw beef recall was issued because potentially contaminated Au Jus seasoning. SMI Holdings, Inc., doing business as Stampede Meat, Inc., a Bridgeview, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 484,800 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The raw beef products incorporated a non-meat ingredient, Au Jus Seasoning, which tested positive for the presence of Salmonella. Standard Meats, a TX established also recalled injected raw beef.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-023-2018-release
SMI Holdings, Inc Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Class I Recall 

023-2018
Health Risk: High 

Mar 16, 2018

Raw Meat Recalled After Injected Spice Marinade Determined to Contain Salmonella

Standard Meat Company, a Saginaw, Texas establishment, is recalling up to 53,154 pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella,  "The raw beef products incorporated a non-meat ingredient, Au Jus Seasoning, that was found positive for the presence of Salmonella.  The problem was discovered when Standard Meat Company was notified by their supplier, who shipped the seasoning, of a voluntary seasoning recall based on Salmonella contamination. Standard Meat Company uses this seasoning product to formulate marinade that is injected into the top sirloin steaks."

So raw beef is being recalled because the spice used had Salmonella?  Seems odd since beef may naturally have Salmonella, but a recall can be justified.  1) The spice is injected into the sirloin steaks which would put Salmonella, if present in the spice, into the interior of the meat, and as we know, people tend to think they can cook these sirloin steaks on the rare side.  2)  The meat is sold frozen, and this increases the likelihood that a person will under cook it, especially when they insufficiently thaw the meat or don't thaw it at all.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-022-2018-release
Standard Meat Company Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination 
Class I Recall 
022-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Mar 15, 2018 

Jars of Tarragon Spice Recalled After Positive Salmonella Test

A California spice company is recalling 0.4oz jars of tarragon spice after testing found the raw material was positive for Salmonella. 

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm580600.htm
Spicely Organics Recalls Organic Tarragon Because Of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
October 16, 2017

Jalapeno Potato Chips Recalled After Supplier Recalls Flavoring for Salmonella

Frito Lay is recalling Miss Vickie's Jalapino Flavored Potato Chips after the seasoning "supplier’s recent recall of a seasoning blend which includes jalapeño powder that could contain Salmonella." No other flavors are impacted and there have been no illnesses to date.

Here is where a supplier control is critical (a supplier preventive control). You have an ingredient that will be added post-process, and so would be considered RTE (ready-to-eat).  The supplier of this spice should be working with their suppliers, especially if they are purchasing processed spices. Relying on a COA may not be enough, especially where products are made and shipped in JIT type processes.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm554447.htm
Frito-Lay Recalls Jalapeño Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips and Jalapeño Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips Due to Potential Presence of Salmonella
For Immediate Release
April 21, 2017

Chili Meal Kits Recalled for Potential Salmonella Contamination in Spice Packet

Conagra is recalling its Hunt's brand Chili meal kits after their supplier informed them of potential Salmonella contamination in the spice packets.  No injuries have been reported.

The risk level would not be high in that the chili spice is added and the product is simmered for 10 minutes.  The concern would be if someone adds spice right before eating (keeping the spice out and then adding as they eat it to allow for adjustment of the amount of flavor), or if someone spills the spice on the counter and then that serves as a source of cross-contamination to another food.  For Conagra, not a risk worth taking.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm550184.htm
Conagra Brands Recalls Hunt’s Chili Kits Due To Potential Presence Of Salmonella In Spice Packet
For Immediate Release
March 2, 2017

Curry Spice Recalled for Elevated Levels of Lead

A Miami, FL company is recalling approximately 377,000 lbs. of spice blends containing curry powder after testing found elevated levels of lead.  The testing was completed by the NY Health Department.
Two weeks back, turmeric was recalled because of elevated lead levels, also discovered by the NY Health Department laboratory.  Companies selling spices may want review their supply chain to see where there may be spices that are subject to high lead levels.
 
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm517333.htm
Oriental Packing Co. Inc. Issues Alert On Lead In Curry Powder
For Immediate Release
August 18, 2016

Revised - Recall Of Turmeric Spice Due to Elevated Lead Levels

Update - Aug 5  GelSpice and JM Exotic expands recalls for turmeric due to lead levels.


Update - Aug 2.  JM Exotic Foods, Inc. is recalling ground turmeric because samples from our supplier were found to contain elevated levels of lead.
Gel Spice, an "importer and manufacturer of spices, seeds, bakery ingredients and specialty items, is recalling turmeric after the State of NY found elevated lead levels. Evidently, lead contamination has been an issue in turmeric. There was an issue with turmeric and lead in 2013 as well.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not set a specific limit on lead in spices, there is a limit of 0.1 PPM in candy. The Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) has stated that lead levels of 0.015 PPM in drinking water require treatment.

How does the lead get there? In a Harvard report in 2014 (?), they stated this about one of the main sources for turmeric - Bangladesh ( Pakistan spice was involved in 2013 recall): "The production of turmeric involves many different methods and they explained that it’s possible that the lead contamination could be originating during the manufacturing and distribution of the common spice. There has also been much speculation about the possibility that distributors could be intentionally adding lead to increase the weight of the spice, but the team stressed the point that further study is needed to fully understand the issue."

So when evaluating ingredients for hazards, consider lead as a chemical hazard in turmeric.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm513844.htm
Gel Spice, Inc. Issues Alert on Elevated Lead Levels in One Lot of Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric Powder
For Immediate Release
July 28, 2016

Coriander Powder Recalled Due to Sample Testing Positive for Salmonella

A New Jersey company is recall 14.1 oz containers of coriander powder after FDA testing found a sample positive for Salmonella.  No injuries have been reported.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm459332.htm
Chetak New York L.L.C. Recalls 14.1 oz. Jar of "Deep Coriander Powder" Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:  Consumer: 1-973-835-1906

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 20, 2015 – Edison, NJ – Chetak New York L.L.C. of Edison, NJ is recalling 300 jars of 14.1 oz "Deep Coriander Powder", Lot# LE15152, 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.

The recalled "Deep Coriander Powder" jars were distributed nationwide in retail store from July 30, 2015 to August 13, 2015. The product comes in a 14.1oz clear plastic jar marked with the UPC number on the rear of the package. The lot number can be located on the bottom of the jar.

Ground Oregano Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

McCormick is recalling ground oregano due to the potential to be contaminated by Salmonella.  It was found by FDA routine testing.  The product, packed in small jars (0.75 oz,) was shipped nationally and internationally.  No illnesses have been reported.

FDA Recall Noticehttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm410107.htm
Voluntary Recall Notice of McCormick Ground Oregano Due to Possible Salmonella Risk
Contact  Consumer:  1-800-632-5847

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 13, 2014 - SPARKS, Md., August 13, 2014- McCormick & Company, Incorporated is initiating a voluntary recall of McCormick® Ground Oregano, 0.75 oz bottle, UPC 0-523561-6 with code dates BEST BY AUG 21 16 H and AUG 22 16 H due to possible contamination with Salmonella. This recall does not impact any other McCormick Ground, Whole or Oregano Leaves products.

Chili Powder Recalled due to the Presence of Salmonella

A California distributor is recalling chili powder after testing found a lot code of the product to be positive for Salmonella.

As we know, Salmonella can be an issue in spices that are not properly treated.  It can then survive in the dry spices for an extended period of time.   This spice appears to have directly imported from overseas, so the verification of that treatment may not have been what it should have been.

Anhing Corporation is a importer and distributor of foods manufactured in Southeastern Asia and South America.


FDA Recall Notice
Anhing Corporation Announces a Voluntary Recall of Chili Powder Due to Possible Health Riskhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm395859.htm

Contact:Consumer: 1-323-221-8003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 2, 2014 - Anhing Corporation of Los Angeles, CA is conducting a Nationwide recall of Caravelle Brand Chili Powder in 8 ounce plastic tubs lot code 560916, because it has 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.

The product was distributed through retail stores.

Spices and Herbs recalled due to postive Salmonella tests

Two different products, one a spice and the other herb (dried sweet basil), are being recalled after testing indicated the presence of Salmonella.

 

There has been increasing attention on herbs and spices with regard to Salmonella.  FDA recently  issued a report on the risks associated with spices.   And most of the recent issues, including the recent issue with black peppercorn  and an organic fresh basil product, have been small producers that have been found to contain Salmonella through testing, often completed by the FDA.


FDA Recall Notice

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm392650.htm
Lisy Corporation Issues Recall on: Lisy Sweet Basil (Albahaca) 6 Oz., Item 1132 Lot #'s A013 0518 & A014 0518
Contact:
Consumer:  1-305-836-6001 ext. 233

Media:  Henry Rosen  305-836-6001  hrosen@lisycorp.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 9, 2014 - Lisy Corporation of Miami, FL is voluntarily recalling Lisy Sweet Basil (Albahaca), 6 oz jar, Item #1132, Lot #'s A013 0518 & A014 0518, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is 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.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.

Lisy Sweet Basil- 6oz, bottle, UPC Code 0 96786 30032 8 began distribution on 01/15/2014 in retail stores in the states of New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Maryland.

The voluntary recall was initiated by Lisy after a routine sampling by the FDA revealed the presence of Salmonella in the Lisy Sweet Basil (Albahaca), 6 oz., Lot #'s A013 0518 & A014 0518.

Any consumers that have purchased Lisy Sweet Basil (Albahaca), 6 oz., from Jan 15, 2014 to present are urged not to eat the product, and dispose of it or return product to the place of purchase for a replacement or for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-305-836-6001 ext. 233.

Consumers with questions may contact Henry Rosen at 305-836-6001 ext. 233 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday.



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm392887.htm
Fernandez Chile Company Inc. Recalls 4oz Chile Molido Puro and 6oz Chile Rojo Potential Salmonella Contamination

Contact: Consumer: Blair Fernandez 719-589-6043 chile@amigo.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 10, 2014 - Fernandez Chile Company Inc of Alamosa, Colorado is recalling 4oz Chile Molido Puro UPC code 77601-10011 and 6oz Chile Rojo UPC code 77601-10053 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, 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, endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled 4oz Chile Molido Puro UPC code 77601-10011 and 6oz Chile Rojo UPC code 77601-10053 was distributed in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and California. King Soopers, Safeway, City Market and various independent grocers received these products.

The 4oz Chile Molido Puro UPC code 77601-10011 comes in a clear plastic bag marked with an expiration of 01 2017 on the back. The 6oz Chile Rojo UPC code 77601-10053 comes in a clear plastic bag marked with an expiration 02 2017 on the back.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by an independent lab revealed the presence of Salmonella in some of the 4oz Chile Molido Puro and 6oz Chile Rojo.

These products are being recalled and taken out of production while the company and the FDA continue their investigation into the source of the contamination.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Blair Fernandez at Fernandez Chile Company Inc. at 719-589-6043 Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm MDT

Black Peppercorns Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Sprout Farmers Markets and Frontier Organic Spices are recalling containers of black peppercorns after random testing completed by FDA came up positive for Salmonella.  The pepper was reportedly treated (steam pasteurization) and then tested before use by Frontier.  No illnesses have been reported.

 

So what questions could be asked?

• Did the steam pasteurization step perform to the level needed to eliminate Salmonella?  One could at microbial test results for other indicators such as generic E. coli, coliforms, and even APC?  Also, it is important to conduct large sample testing of the peppercorns from this and other lots.
• Was the product potentially contaminated after the processing, perhaps during handling and repackaging?  Are potential sources of contamination also handled within the peppercorn processing environment?  Is environmental testing done, and hopefully if so, did those results indicate any issues?  It will be important for the facility to conduct extensive testing of the processing environment including preoperational and in-process testing looking for Salmonella as well as indicators (coliforms and/or Enterobacteriaceae).
• Did the laboratory complete the verification testing correctly? 

  As we know, Salmonella can survive in dry environments (and products) for long periods of time.

 

FDA Recall Notice

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm391996.htm

Frontier Natural Products Co-op Initiates Voluntary Class 1 Recall Due to Possible Health Risk from Organic Black Peppercorns

 

Contact

Consumer:

1-800-669-3275

 Media:

Anne Rierson, anne.rierson@frontiercoop.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 4, 2014 - Frontier Natural Products Co-op is voluntarily recalling several of its products manufactured with organic black peppercorns that were sold under its Frontier and Simply Organic brands, Whole Foods Market 365 Everyday Value, and others due to potential Salmonella contamination. To date, no illnesses have been associated with these products.

 

FDA Issues Risk Analysis of Spices and the Related News Stories from the Mass Media

With the release of FDA’s Risk Analysis of Imported Spices document, the vast majority of news outlets released similar eye catching headlines stating ‘12% of Imported Spice Contaminated’.

Should consumers worry when they are putting pepper on their hamburger, pizza, or as for me, everything – NO, there is essentially no risk when purchasing branded spices from the grocery store.

From a consumer standpoint, are these news articles misleading? – while it is correct in that imported spices sampled by FDA do have contaminates, it is misleading in that FDA was evaluating spices at the point of entry and not at spices at the supermarket. The branded spices that the consumer purchases has been treated and then tested for safety by processors such as McCormick. 

The FDA data was based on bulk imported product at the point of entry. Companies purchasing these products for sale will treat before packaging. As posted on McCormick’s website as well as detailed in the NPR piece below, McCormick who has been importing spices for more than a century, has had little to no issues. This is spice companies, including McCormick, clean and treat their spices to eliminate pathogens such as Salmonella. Then those spices are extensively tested to verify safety.

But the report poses an important risk to consider for food companies who are directly importing spices, especially for use in applications where these spices are applied to RTE product without any further processing. In these cases, spices treated oversees may not have the level of safety needed for application, especially in to RTE applications – whether the foreign supplier does not adequately treat/clean the spice, or the spice is contaminated after treatment. Foodborne disease outbreaks have occurred in a few instances when food companies have used contaminated imported spices on RTE spices. They failed to verify safety of those spices before using. Examples – salami with Salmonella contaminated pepper and snack chips with a contaminated seasoning.


Washington Post
Filth taints 12 percent of imported food spices, FDA reports
By Anna Edney and Bloomberg News, Published: November 4
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/filth-taints-12-percent-of-imported-food-spices-fda-reports/2013/11/04/7e6dd8f6-430d-11e3-a751-f032898f2dbc_story.html

Insect fragments and animal hairs taint 12 percent of imported spices, the Food and Drug Administration said last week.

The FDA said it looked at the safety of spices after outbreaks of illness involving the seasonings. The agency also found pathogens in the spices, including salmonella, and suggested that the spice industry look at training that stresses preventive controls.

Let the Alarmism Begin on The Safety of Spices

Earlier this week, we commented on the New York Times report regarding an FDA study on the safety of spices (http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2013/08/safety-of-imported-foods-spices-and-fsma.html) . We indicated that there is essentially no risk for consumers when buying spices from the grocery store. Brand label spices are produced by reputable companies, such as McCormick, have extensive food safety systems in place that minimize the risk.

But unfortunately, major media outlets can’t help themselves from jumping on this study and spreading some fear. At least, the NY Times article’s title ‘Spices’ Link to Food Ills Prompts Changes in Farming’ wasn’t overly misleading. But from that article, other news outlets had their own spin in order to ‘one-up’ the other. Let’s take a look at these titles. 

From NPR, we have ‘ Your Kitchen Spices Can Often Harbor Salmonella’. The title suggests something that is completely inaccurate. Even the reader’s comments at the bottom of the article (you can connect to the link on the article below to read) indicate that these readers know that this is over-the-top fear mongering.

NPR is not the only one. LA Weekly has an article “Spices a Potent Source of Food Poisoning”. Not to be outdone MSN News has - Rumor: Common kitchen spices contain salmonella’ and goes on to state that this rumor is true. No it is not.

Certainly there have been a few incidents that contaminated spices have resulted in illnesses, but these were extremely isolated and due to unique circumstances. Going back to look at the original study, there are few things we can see in this FDA study which was published in Food Microbiology that warrant comment :

• The sampling in the study primarily evaluated untreated spices which had a higher level of contamination…as we would expect. Will those spices be treated at some point during further processing….probably yes?
• We don’t know the type of importer for the spices that were found positive. Were the major spice companies, or smaller importers? Companies with familiar brands names must protect those brands, and thus will have solid quality and safety programs including preventive control measures. But unfortunately, this study does not indicate they type of company. And the news articles then lump all spice companies together.

This is not to say that these companies representing major brands will not have the occasional issue, but they are few and far between. So as I put pepper on my pizza tonight, I will not worry about Salmonella contamination. Will you worry about the spices in your cabinet? Probably not.

The real take home from the FDA study is that companies who import spices need to have preventive controls in place to ensure the safety of those items.



Your Kitchen Spices Can Often Harbor Salmonella
by Nancy Shute
August 29, 2013 3:16 PM
NPR – The Salt
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/08/28/216550862/your-kitchen-spices-can-often-harbor-salmonella

 Spice may be nice, but spices also can carry very bad bugs. About 7 percent of spices tested by Food and Drug Administration researchers were contaminated with salmonella, which can cause serious illness and death. Because of this finding and others, the FDA and international food safety organizations are putting more effort into how to reduce the risk.

 

A New York Times

article this week really brought the issue to everyone's attention. Here are some of the questions we've been asking about spices and salmonella here at The Salt: