Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. (Del Monte Fresh), was just advised that a limited number of grape tomatoes in a specific lot of grape tomatoes grown in Florida by Six L’s Packing Company may be contaminated with <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/food_poisoning">Salmonella, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. This is just one of many recalls linked to the Six L’s tomatoes that have been announced by the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in recent days.
In this particular recall, the grape tomatoes may have been used in 63 cases of Vegetable Trays and Veg. Trio sold in Roche Bros. supermarkets in the state of Massachusetts under the Roche Bros. brand. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this particular recall; however, it is important to note that the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning can take some time to manifest.
Del Monte Fresh is recalling 63 cases of Roche Brothers labeled 3-pound oval transparent Vegetable Tray containing—in addition to the voluntarily recalled grape tomatoes—an 8-ounce Naturally Fresh ranch dip, baby carrots, celery, and broccoli with UPC code 717524888013 (with “Best If Used By” dates of: 4/23/2011, 4/24/2011, 4/26/2011, 4/27/2011, 4/28/2011, 4/30/2011, 5/1/2011, and 5/3/2011) and a 16-ounce transparent Veg. Trio tray containing—in addition to the voluntarily recalled grape tomatoes—a 3-ounce Naturally Fresh ranch dip, broccoli, and baby carrots with UPC code 715524304162 (with “Best If Used By” dates” of: 4/23/2011, 4/24/2011, 4/27/2011, 4/28/2011, 4/30/2011, 5/1/2011, and 5/3/2011).
The CPSC advises consumers to return any uneaten, recalled product to the place of purchase for a refund, Del Monte Fresh can be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.659.6500 (operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week) or by email at Del Monte Fresh@Contact-US-Executive-Office@freshdelmonte.com.
Yesterday, we wrote that Northeast Produce Inc. of Plainville, Connecticut was notified by Six L’s that a specific lot of grape tomatoes supplied to Northeast Produce Inc. may be contaminated with Salmonella. Northeast Produce Inc. is a customer of Six L’s and its recall is linked to Six L’s recall.
Other recalls related to the potentially tainted tomatoes include an expanded Taylor Farms’ recall of products containing grape tomatoes that prompted Safeway to expand its recall to include fresh kabobs made with grape tomatoes sold in its full-service meat counter in several states. Just prior, Taylor Farms recalled—in a Class I Recall—about 22,000 pounds of ready-to-eat fresh salad products. Also, Mastronardi Produce recalled grape tomatoes. The recalls were prompted by a recall initiated on April 29, 2011 by Six L’s Packing Company of Immokalee, Florida.
Contamination with the Salmonella pathogen can cause salmonellosis, which can lead to serious consequences, most especially in the elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems, who may experience a more serious illness and symptoms. In these patients, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites, and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that people suffering from salmonellosis usually experience symptoms beginning 12 to 72 hours after becoming contaminated. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea and usually last 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without antibiotic treatment; however, diarrhea can be very severe, and hospitalization may be required.
