Salmonella Food Poisoning Symptoms & Treatment

Salinas, California based Organicgirl Produce has announced a recall of the 10 oz. organicgirl Baby Spinach due to the possibility of salmonella contamination.  So far, no illnesses have been reported in relation with this product.

The Baby Spinach in question has an expiration date of May 22, with a product code 11A061167.  It was reportedly distributed and sold in six states including Alabama, Arizona, California, North Carolina, Oregon and Wisconsin.  This makes two recalls announced relating to leafy green produce this week, after Fresh Express announced its recall of romaine-based salads that are also possibly tainted with salmonella.

A third-party laboratory for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration performed random sample testing and found that a package of organicgirl Baby Spinach tested positive for salmonella.  This recall is being announced out of caution and concern for consumers.

This recall includes 336 cases of the 10 oz. package size of organicgirl Baby Spinach with a use-by date of May 22.  As of now, no other products are salads are included in this latest recall.

organicgirl Produce is conducting a thorough internal investigation, and is also working in conjunction with state and federal regulators to determine the source of the contamination.  The company conducted a traceability analysis at once, along with an appraisal of its food safety documentation.  All were found in compliance, and the raw product testing records for the time period relating to this incident did not reveal the presence of any pathogens.

Retailers are asked to check store shelves to ensure that none of the possibly contaminated produce is present.  Consumers in the six states listed above are urged to make certain that they have none of the product with the use-by date and product code in question in their homes.  Do not consume the product, and discard it if it is present in your home.  Consumers with concerns or questions are asked to call the consumer hotline at 831-758-7810 any time between 8 and 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

Individuals who experience symptoms of salmonella food poisoning should seek medical attention, especially those at increased risks of serious complications including the frail or elderly, young children and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of salmonella include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and occasional fever.  These are usually short-lived in healthy individuals.

Fresh Express, a subsidiary of Chiquita Brands, is recalling fresh Express romaine-based ready-to-eat bagged salads due to possible contamination with salmonella.  Recently a random test was conducted by the FDA in which salmonella food poisoning was detected in a single package of Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine Salad.  No other Fresh Express salads are currently included in this recall.

The products affected are marked with expired use-by dates of May 13th through May 16th and have an “S” in the product code.  These dates have passed, but the FDA warns that consumers who may have the product in their refrigerator check the dates before using, to make certain they do not eat foods that may possibly be contaminated.  These products could possibly remain on the store shelves, so Fresh Express extended this recall to retailers as well.

The Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine Salad in question were sold in many states, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Idaho, Utah, Missouri, Montana, Kansas, Washington and Wyoming, Oregon, Texas and New Mexico.

While the recall has been issued after detecting salmonella in only a single package of the salad, Fresh Express is being highly cautious in order to prevent possible food poisoning.  Consumers who have purchased this product and have it in their homes are asked to dispose of the salad, and contact consumer representatives of Fresh Express at 800-242-5472, 24 hours a day during week days for a full refund.

Salmonella produces only mild symptoms in healthy individuals, including diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea.  Some individuals, such as young children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system may experience serious complications.  If you suspect salmonella food poisoning, seek medical treatment.

California-based Caldwell Fresh Foods has voluntarily recalled alfalfa sprouts after 20 people across 10 states became ill. These alfalfa sprouts were manufactured under the Caldwell Fresh Foods brand, as well as Nature’s Choice and California Exotics brands.  So far, no deaths have been reported but 4 of the individuals sickened have required hospitalization.

A wide variety of restaurants and retailers across the nation purchased the alfalfa sprouts from Caldwell Fresh Foods, including Cardenas Markets, Gonzalez Northgate Markets, Canton Foods, Wal-Mart Stores, Kings Super Market and Trader Joe’s.  The alfalfa sprouts being recalled are packaged and labeled as follows:

California Exotics brands – 5 oz. plastic clamshell containers

Caldwell Fresh Foods – 4 oz. plastic cups and one pound plastic bags; 2 and 5 pound plastic bags packed in cardboard boxes with a “Caldwell Fresh Foods” sticker affixed on the box

Nature’s Choice – 4 oz. plastic cups

The U.S. FDA , Centers for Disease Control and state authorities are investigating the outbreak, and Caldwell Fresh Foods is cooperating as well.  According to the company, alfalfa sprouts not affected by the salmonella recall will have bright, round green stickers affixed to labels and lids.

According to Maurie Thomas, general manager at the Maywood-based Caldwell Fresh Foods, alfalfa sprouts are strictly controlled by the FDA, and the company follows all guidelines set forth by the FDA to a T.  Thomas stated that state and federal health officials visited the company and took samples of finished products as well as swabs from equipment used at the facility to test for traces of salmonella.

Consumers are urged to throw away any sprouts in question, or to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  So far, 11 people from California have become ill along with one Oregon infant.

While the majority of illnesses related to salmonella food poisoning are short in duration and cause only mild symptoms, some individuals are at risk of serious complications.  These include young children, those with a compromised immune system, and the frail or elderly.  Common symptoms include nausea, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.  It is suggested that you see a doctor if you develop these symptoms after eating foods that are possibly tainted.

You may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses associated with salmonella food poisoning.  Contact a reputable New York food poisoning attorney to learn more about your rights and what action you may take.  Learn more about Brown Chiari; personal injury attorneys in Lancaster NY.