Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Club Chef LLC Recalls Salsa Because Of Possible Health Risk

News of a recall this week involving salsa:

Club Chef LLC is recalling its 12 oz., 16 oz. and 5 lb. Salsa products 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 product is sold in 12 oz. (Private Selection brand name) and 16 oz. (heinen’s brand name) clear plastic packages and 5 lb. plastic trays (foodservice distributors) marked with Use by Date of 3/27/2012. UPC numbers located on the packages are as follows:

    Private Selection 12 oz. brand:
    heinen's 16oz. brand:
PICO DE GALLO – UPC# 11111091135 HOT SALSA – UPC# 2060100024
HOT SALSA – UPC# 1111091139 MILD SALSA – UPC# 2060100026
MILD SALSA – UPC# 1111091137  
The identified product was distributed to retailers and foodservice distributors on 3/14/12 and 3/15/12 within eleven states: Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana and Illinois.

While there have been no illnesses reported to date in connection with this problem, Club Chef is collaborating closely with the FDA and adhering to all safety regulations and standards.
The potential for contamination was noted after a random test by the Ohio Department of Agriculture in a store in Ohio which revealed the presence of Salmonella in a case of Jalapeno peppers. Jalapeno peppers are one of the ingredients in the Salsa.