Miravalle Foods, Inc. of El Monte, CA, is conducting a voluntarily recall on its 0.75 ounce packages of Miravalle brand Achiote Molido Ground Annato spice because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The recalled packages of Ground Annato 0.75 oz. were distributed in California, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Washington and Oregon, in retail stores.
The product comes in a 0.75 ounce, clear plastic package marked with lot # 0015 & #0018 on the top of the UPC number (712810005020).
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by FDA revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 0.75 ounce packages of "Ground Annato."
Production of the product has been suspended while FDA, California Department of Public Health, and Miravalle Foods, Inc. continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.
Consumers who have purchased 0.75 ounce packages of Ground Annato with Lot # 0015 & 0018 are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 626-575-7551, Monday through Friday 8AM to 4:30PM Pacific.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm394670.htm
