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Cilantro Recalled For Possible Salmonella by Frontera Produce

Jul 30, 2009 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP

Salmonella concerns have prompted Frontera Produce of Edinburg, TX to recall one lot of fresh cilantro.  According to a posting on the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Website, the recalled lot of cilantro was distributed to two retail store chains in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

The cilantro recall involves lot 118122, which would have been purchased between July 20, 2009 and July 27, 2009. The cilantro bunches in question have a white twist tie with pink lettering spelling the word 'Cilantro' and the UPC number 033383801049.   Consumers have been advised to destroy the recalled cilantro.

This product originated in Mexico and was procured by Frontera Produce, who subsequently routinely tested for contaminants as part of their internal food safety program.  The recall involves only one lot of cilantro and does not involve any other products.

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.

Salmonella is usually found in food contaminated with animal feces and is a group of bacteria that passes from the feces of people or animals to other people or animals, causing contamination when food is improperly stored or handled and when preparers do not wash their hands or sanitize implements involved in food storage. Salmonella is the most frequently reported cause of food-related outbreaks of stomach illness worldwide and Salmonella poisoning can lead to Reiter’s Syndrome, a difficult-to-treat reactive arthritis characterized by severe joint pain, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination.

Consumers with questions may contact Frontera Produce at 1(877)-381-5701, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm central standard time, or email fpltd.mail@fronteraproduce.com.