Avocados, Serrano peppers and jalapeno peppers distributed by a Texas company have been recalled because they may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. However, the strain responsible for this recall is not the one responsible for an outbreak of the disease that has sickened more than 1,000 people across the country.
According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Grande Produce, LTD. CO of Hidalgo, Texas is recalling Jalapeño Peppers and Serrano Peppers distributed between May 17th and July 17th, 2008; and Avocados, all sizes, with lot #HUE08160090889. The recalled produce was sold in Texas, Delaware, North Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, Iowa, Maine, Illinois, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, New York, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, and Kentucky.
The avocados being recalled were shipped in boxes labeled “Frutas Finas de Tancitaro HASS Avocados, Produce of Mexico,” all sizes, with lot number HUE08160090889. The jalapeno peppers and Serrano peppers being recalled were shipped in 35lb. plastic crates with no brand name or label.
Consumers who purchased avocados, jalapeno Peppers and Serrano peppers should contact their supplier to determine if their products are involved in the recall. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (956) 843-8575.
This recall is not related to the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak that has sickened 1,237 people in 43 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. The FDA had originally blamed certain types of tomatoes for that outbreak, but last week reversed course and cancelled its tomato warning. The agency is said to be investigating jalapeno peppers and Serrano peppers for links to that outbreak, but the strain involved in the Grande Produce recall is not Salmonella Saintpaul. So far, no illnesses have been linked to the Grande Produce recall.
Salmonella symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, gas and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms appear within 36 hours of exposure, and usually last four to seven days. In very severe cases, Salmonella can lead to kidney failure and other complications. Salmonella can be particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Some victims of Salmonella will develop a disease called Reiter’s Syndrome, a difficult- to- treat condition that causes severe joint pain, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination. Reiter’s Syndrome can plague its victims for months or years, and can lead to chronic arthritis.
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