Nationwide Recall of Some Grated Cheese Products Due to Salmonella Concerns

In November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about a voluntary nationwide recall of several grated cheese products. The company that produced the food items announced the recall after laboratory testing of a cheese product discovered potential Salmonella contamination issues.

Fortunately, no illnesses were reported at the time of the recall. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the United States, Salmonella causes 1.2 million foodborne illnesses, thousands of hospitalizations and 450 deaths each year.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is associated with a number of common foods. According to the CDC, Salmonella is usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with small amounts of animal feces. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. They are often foods of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, fish or eggs, but any food, including vegetables and fruit or processed foods, may become contaminated.

Most people who become infected develop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. The condition may be so severe in some cases that the person needs to be hospitalized. Death can occur in extreme cases. Young children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system are the most susceptible to infections.   

“There have been a number of food recalls and outbreaks due to Salmonella this year,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we help to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks by providing a comprehensive range of pathogen testing services to prevent contaminated foods from reaching consumers. These services are available to food manufacturers, retailers, health officials and the general public.”

EMSL has created an informative 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, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail