Medical Microbiology: Contamination

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Salmonella Contamination Subject of Recall by Chiquita Brands Subsidiary Fresh Express

Fresh Express, a subsidiary of Chiquita Brands, is recalling fresh Express romaine-based ready-to-eat bagged salads due to possible contamination with salmonella. Recently a random test was conducted by the FDA in which salmonella food poisoning was detected in a single package of Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine Salad. No other Fresh Express salads are currently included in this recall.

The products affected are marked with expired use-by dates of May 13th through May 16th and have an “S” in the product code. These dates have passed, but the FDA warns that consumers who may have the product in their refrigerator check the dates before using, to make certain they do not eat foods that may possibly be contaminated. These products could possibly remain on the store shelves, so Fresh Express extended this recall to retailers as well.

The Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine Salad in question were sold in many states, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Idaho, Utah, Missouri, Montana, Kansas, Washington and Wyoming, Oregon, Texas and New Mexico.

While the recall has been issued after detecting salmonella in only a single package of the salad, Fresh Express is being highly cautious in order to prevent possible food poisoning. Consumers who have purchased this product and have it in their homes are asked to dispose of the salad, and contact consumer representatives of Fresh Express at 800-242-5472, 24 hours a day during week days for a full refund.

Salmonella produces only mild symptoms in healthy individuals, including diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea. Some individuals, such as young children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system may experience serious complications. If you suspect salmonella food poisoning, seek medical treatment.

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California Company Recalls 37,318 Pounds of Peppers Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

A California company is recalling 37,318 lbs. of pepper products that were distributed between March 15th of this year and May 6th. Miravalle Foods, Inc. recalled their Miravalle Chile California and Miravalle Chile Nuevo Mexico brands of peppers due to possible salmonella food poisoning contamination. These peppers were distributed to customers in CA, CO, UT, NC, NE, ID, OR and NV.

These products were distributed to only a small group of customers through distributors, retail stores and direct delivery, and include the following:

3oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-00301 & 7 12810-00304)
6 oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-60001 & 7 1280-60004)
8oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-00802 & 7 12810-00803)
16 oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-16005 & 7 12810-16007)

The products are packaged in clear plastic under the “Miravalle Chile California & Miravalle Chile Nuevo Mexico” Brand names and in bulk 25lb. boxes.

A random sample of the products revealed the presence of salmonella following lab analysis conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration. Miravalle Foods, Inc. is located in El Monte, California. Consumers who have purchased any of the products involved in this recall are asked to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions or concerns can be directed to the company at 1-626-575-7551 between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm PST Monday through Friday.

While salmonella food poisoning usually produces only mild symptoms, in some cases it can be fatal. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Those most at risk for serious complications include children, those with a compromised immune system and the elderly. If you have eaten any of the above products and become ill, see your doctor at once.

Those who become seriously ill after consuming foods contaminated with salmonella may have legal rights. To discuss your situation and learn if you may be entitled to compensation for medical or other costs related to your illness, contact a New York food poisoning attorney.

Brown Chiari is a team of experienced Buffalo personal injury attorneys representing victims rights in personal injury cases. Brown Chiari specializes in nursing home abuse, food poisoning and construction accidents.