Salmonella Outbreak Traced To Red Pepper
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According to the FDA, Wholesome Spice (of New York) has announced a recall of crushed red pepper because of a potential link to illnesses associated with an ongoing nationwide Salmonella Montevideo Outbreak. As of February 24, there had been as many as 238 individuals from 44 states infected with the outbreak strain. Click on the following link to view a copy of the most recent CDC Outbreak Report.
Wholesome Spice manufactured and then distributed the crushed red pepper to Daniel International for use in the production of various sausage and salami products which had been previously recalled by Daniel. Click on the following link to view Previous Daniel Recall Updates. According to reports, a broad investigation into the source of the contamination was ongoing, and FDA recently discovered that samples of Wholesome Spice crushed red pepper had tested positive for the outbreak strain. In response, Wholesome Spice immediately announced a recall of all potentially affected products.
The Wholproducts subject to the recall include all lots of 25 pound boxes of Crushed Red Pepper sold by Wholesome Spice between April 6, 2009 and January 20, 2010.
The Crushed Red Pepper was packaged in a clear plastic bag, which was then placed inside a cardboard box marked with an adhesive white label containing a blue border and blue and black lettering. The brand name on the product labels is WHOLESOME SPICES. The product name is listed as CRUSHED RED PEPPER. The 25 pound boxes of Crushed Red pepper were distributed throughout the Northeastern United States. The product was not sold at the retail level or directly to consumers. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Wholesome Spice Recall Release.
In a separate news release posted on the Rhode Island Department of Health website, David R. Gifford, Rhode Island's health director, noted that the recall “confirms that the source of the Salmonella was from outside of Daniele's manufacturing plants." According to additional reports, Wholesome Spice is currently working closely with FDA to determine how the contamination occurred.
In any event, manufacturers who may have purchased any of the recalled products are being urged not to use the products, and to recall any other products which may have used red pepper as an ingredient. Manufacturers with questions may contact Wholesome Spice via telephone at (718) 388-1549, Monday to Friday between 8:30-4:30pm EST.
