Potential Salmonella contamination has prompted a recall of fresh cilantro, said the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Fresco Green Farms Inc. of Winchester, California, is recalling 1,643 cases of cilantro harvested July 18th-27th 2012.
Consumers who may have purchased the cilantro should contact the store where it was purchased to determine if the cilantro was included in the recall. The firm advises consumers in possession of the recalled cilantro to dispose of it and not consume the produce.
The cilantro was on store shelves in California and Minnesota beginning July 19, 2012 and was likely sold or removed from sale before August 6, 2012. The cilantro is bunched and tied together with a brown rubber band. Each bunch is 10 inches in length and 1 ¼ inches in width; individual bunches have no identifying labels or lot numbers. The cilantro was distributed in shipping cases labeled “Fresco Green Farms Inc., Hemet, CA. Produce of USA cilantro 2.5dz.“
The recall followed a routine sampling program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which revealed that the cilantro has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Fresco Green Farms Inc. can be reached at 1.562.205.7673 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time (PST).
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.
