Parker Waichman LLP

Imported Spices Have Twice the Salmonella Risk of Other Imported Foods

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that, over a three-year period, almost 7 percent of imported spices were found to be contaminated with salmonella. On Wednesday the agency released a report on spice testing between 2007 and 2010.  Spices were twice as likely as other inspected foods to be contaminated with salmonella, the […]

Imported_Spices_Salmonella_RiskThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that, over a three-year period, almost 7 percent of imported spices were found to be contaminated with salmonella.

On Wednesday the agency released a report on spice testing between 2007 and 2010.  Spices were twice as likely as other inspected foods to be contaminated with salmonella, the Associated Press (AP) reports, and the FDA detected 80 different types of salmonella.

The agency undertook the study after several spice-related salmonella outbreaks caused illnesses around the world. Hundreds became ill in 2009 and 2010 from tainted black pepper and red pepper from India, Vietnam and China used in salami. The FDA says there have been 14 known outbreaks around the world since 1973, causing almost 2,000 illnesses, many of which affected children, according to the AP.

In the three-year report period, the FDA says, 749 spice shipments were refused entry into the United States because of salmonella contamination while 238 other shipments were denied because of the presence of insects, excrement, hair or other foreign materials.

Some the contaminated spices detected at the border were later cooked or treated to eliminate possible pathogens, so the salmonella was likely eliminated by the time the spices were eaten, according to the AP. Because spices are generally eaten in small quantities, they are less likely to cause illness than other tainted foods. But the FDA remains concerned about potential contamination because most spices eaten in the United States are imported and the producer countries have varying, sometimes limited, levels of food safety oversight.

The most common salmonella symptoms—diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever—usually appear within eight to 72 hours of exposure. Chills, headache, nausea and vomiting may also occur. The illness usually runs its course within seven days but sometimes becomes severe enough to require hospitalization. Salmonella infections are especially dangerous for children under five, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you Parker Waichman for helping me with my case. You know what you are doing. They are very professional, I would say they are the best. Thanks to Jorge Peniche for helping me feel that I need it.
anyelo robles
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I had a friend who recommended Parker Waichman and I have to say I am so thankful that he suggested them. I found them to be very professional. Whenever I had an issue, I always spoke to Tina Morace. She was always prompt in returning my calls, and never to busy to answer any of my questions. She played an integral part in making the whole process stress free for me. Tina and the firm never kept me in the dark on what was going on. I will definitely use them again, and I highly recommend them.
Walter Sherrod
4 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Great people great experience 5star
Renee Stumpf
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038