Salmonella Prompts Cilantro Recall in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers not to eat Nature’s Reward brand fresh cilantro over the potential that it may be contaminated with Salmonella, said CTV News. The cilantro recall has been issued by Fresh Taste Produce Ltd., the importer; the recalled cilantro was sold at Wal-Mart stores in Ontario from January 17 to 27, 2011.

The Nature’s Reward brand fresh cilantro was produced in the United States, and was sold in bunches held together with a twist tie that bears the following: PLU 4889 and UPC 0 33383 80104 9; the ties contain no brand name, date, or lot code, said CTV News.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said consumers who purchased the recalled cilantro, but who are unsure of its PLU and UPC codes should contact the locations where it was bought to see if they are in possession of the affected product.

To date, there have been no reported Foodborne Illnesses in connection with consumption of this recalled cilantro, said CTV news.

Salmonella-contaminated food may not look or smell spoiled, noted CTV News; however, consumption of food contaminated with the Salmonella Bacteria may cause Salmonella Infection, known as salmonellosis.

According to the CDC, people infected with the Food Poisoning pathogen Salmonella Enteritidis usually experience Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning beginning 12 to 72 hours after consuming a contaminated food or beverage.

Food Poisoning Symptoms include fever, Vomiting, Abdominal Cramps, and diarrhea. Symptoms of Salmonella usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without antibiotic treatment; however, the diarrhea can be severe, and hospitalization may be required.

The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems may have a more serious illness and Salmonella 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.