California Firm Recalls Carob Powder Due to Salmonella Concerns

Last month, a California company near San Diego issued a recall of its Organic Carob Powder because it had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The announcement was posted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recall list after routine product testing by a supplier to the company revealed the possibility of the bacteria.

The recalled powder was reportedly distributed nationwide in retail outlets and by mail order.  The recall notice states that Salmonella 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.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 1.2 million cases of illnesses due to Salmonella that occur annually in the United States; of these, approximately 42,000 are laboratory-confirmed cases reported to the agency.

“Manufacturers involved with product recalls due to contaminated food products face a myriad of challenges,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Not only are product recalls costly, but if people have gotten sick there could be substantial medical and legal expenses. Companies also face public relations challenges anytime their brand is associated with potentially dangerous microorganisms.  At LA Testing, our network of laboratories provides testing to identify Salmonella and a wide range of other foodborne pathogens.  These services, including rapid PCR methods, can help prevent contaminated products from ever reaching the public.”

LA Testing & EMSL Analytical has created a video about Salmonella that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/1v59mjWwJZ8.
 
To learn more about testing for food pathogens or other food testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for food testing and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail