California Firm Recalls Enchiladas Due to Salmonella Concerns

Last month, a Vernon, California company issued a recall of frozen cheese enchiladas due to potential concerns over contamination from Salmonella. The announcement was posted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recall list after routine product testing by a supplier of organic cilantro used in the company’s product revealed the possibility of the microbial pathogen.
 
The recalled frozen enchiladas were reportedly distributed nationwide in various food stores and sold between October 9, 2014 and December 1, 2014.  The recall notice stated, “Salmonella is 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.” Consumers are being urged to return the products to the store they were purchased or discard them. 
 
“Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is associated with a number of common foods,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “These types of recalls due to possible contamination issues cause food manufacturers, retailers and distributors to face a myriad of challenges and costs.  Fortunately, in this case, there have not been any reported cases of infections, but if people do get sick there can be substantial medical and legal expenses.  At LA Testing, our network of laboratories provide rapid PCR testing and other analytical methods to help prevent contaminated products from ever reaching the public and eliminating these types of risks for those in the food industry.”
 
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.

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