Harrisonburg, Virginia-based Shenandoah Growers Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for at least one lot of their fresh-cut cilantro after testing revealed the potential for Salmonella contamination.
The cilantro had been sent to one wholesaler and a retail distribution center around Oct. 8, 2014. So far, only two of the company’s products are subject to this recall; 0.75-ounce packages of Shenandoah Growers brand conventional fresh-cut cilantro, and 2.5-ounce packages of Giant brand conventional fresh-cut cilantro. Both products come in plastic clamshell containers, and they both bear a lot code of 15 273283, which is stamped on the front of the package.
Because of perishability issues and a short shelf life, the company notes that these products are probably no longer on store shelves, but they want the public to be aware of the problem, and to either dispose of the product or return it to the store for a full refund. They note that the recall only affects the above Shenandoah Growers products, and that there have been no illnesses reported so far.
Shenandoah Growers Inc. initiated this recall after they received test results from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on four samples taken through routine testing on October 8. The tests showed that one of the four samples has tested positive for the presence of Salmonella bacteria. The company had hired an independent lab to do some testing of the same lot and found no contamination. The results from the state tests were not made available to the company until Oct. 28, which was beyond the sell-by date for the cilantro.
Salmonella infection is the second-most common foodborne illness in the country. In most cases, healthy adults will experience minor abdominal discomfort for a few days. Unfortunately, some people will experience much more serious symptoms, including abdominal cramps, nausea or severe diarrhea. Some severe cases can lead to vomiting, fever, chills, body aches and even severe dehydration. These symptoms can show up anywhere between eight and 72 hours from contamination and continue for a week or more. In some cases, a salmonella infection can lead to death, and it is especially life-threatening to small children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
If you or someone you love has become sick for any reason, see a medical professional as soon as possible. If any type of foodborne illness is suspected as a cause, including Salmonella, please contact the Texas Food Poisoning Injury Lawyer at Hill Law Firm today to protect your rights.