Even Vegans at Risk of Consuming Foods with Salmonella

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about the recall of chia seed powder and chia/flax seed powder from a New York company due to the possible Salmonella contamination of the products.  Over the past several years, chia powder has become very popular with health-conscious consumers and vegans.

The products in question were reportedly sold and distributed to approximately 25 states.  People who purchased the product have been asked to not consume the powder and to either discard it or return it to the original point of purchase.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 21 illnesses have been reported.  The agency goes on to state, “Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. Most people recover within four to seven days without treatment. Children younger than five, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection.”

This is perhaps the first time that Salmonella has been associated with chia powder although it is commonly associated with a number of other common foods.  “The CDC estimates that there are approximately 1.2 million cases of Salmonella infections each year in the United States,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These infections can cause much more than just an upset stomach and fever, in fact, the CDC believes that about 400 fatalities occur each year.  These product recalls are not only devastating to the individuals who become sick; they are also costly and create tremendous potential liability for the companies involved.  EMSL can help prevent these types of scenarios through state-of-the-art food pathogen testing services for not only Salmonella, but also a wide range of other foodborne pathogens.”

EMSL has created a video about Salmonella that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/1v59mjWwJZ8.

To learn more about testing for Salmonella and other food testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 
 

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

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