Possible Salmonella is the culprit in an organic grape tomato recall, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just announced.
Menno Beachy of Cresco, Iowa, is recalling one pint containers of its Certified Organic Grape Tomatoes, which are packaged in square-shaped clear plastic clamshell containers labeled as Menno Beachy Certified Organic Grape Tomato. The UPC number is 044419310176 and the net weight is one pint. There are no lot numbers or expiration dates on the clamshell label and the clamshell packages are distributed in cases that are printed with a lot number. The case lot numbers affected by the recall are MB725GT3, MB725GT8, and MB725GT0.
A food distributor in Minnesota distributed 15 cases containing 12 one-pint containers of the recalled Menno Beachy grape tomatoes to retail stores located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan between. Distribution occurred between July 26, 2012 and August 6, 2012.
No illnesses have been reported, to date, in connection with this recall; however it can take between six and 72 hours from consumption of a contaminated product for the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning—salmonellosis—to appear. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Additional symptoms include chills, headache, nausea, and vomiting that can last up to seven days.
The illness usually lasts four to seven days; however, in some, the organism can invade the bloodstream, becoming so severe that hospitalization is required. Sometimes, infection with the Salmonella pathogen can result in, and produce more severe or chronic illnesses and can leave sufferers with serious life-long health issues.
One of the most common bacterial food borne illnesses, salmonellosis can be especially life threatening to those with weakened immune systems, such as infants; the elderly; and persons with compromised immune systems, such as people with HIV infection or who are undergoing chemotherapy.
Menno Beachy became aware of the contamination after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture collected a sample of the grape tomatoes located at the Minnesota distributor. The sample of lot number MB725GT0 found the grape tomatoes to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Menno Beachy is investigating the source of the contamination and advises consumers in possession of the recalled grape tomatoes to either discard the produce in the trash or return the recalled produce to the point of purchase. Menno Beachy’s voice mailbox can be reached at 1.563.203.4671.
