Packaged Salads Recalled Due to E. coli Contamination Fears

In October, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a California company was recalling hundreds of cases of packaged salads due to fears of possible Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination. The Taboule Salad containers being recalled were distributed in retail stores throughout California.

E.coli are a large group of bacteria found in the environment and the intestines of people and animals. Although most strains of E. coliare harmless and some are an important part of a healthy intestinal tract, others can cause severe illnesses. Some can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, as well as other conditions.

“Exposure to E. coli O157:H7 through contaminated foods or other sources can cause dire illnesses for some people, including a form of kidney failure known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS),” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In extreme circumstances, infections can result in death so it’s vital that contaminated food items do not reach consumers.”

To help prevent these types of occurrences, EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides comprehensive testing services to identify E. coli and a wide range of other foodborne pathogens. These services are often utilized to test raw or final products and to confirm that surface cleaning and disinfection procedures in food processing facilities are effective. Testing is available to food manufacturers, distributors, importers, retailers, restaurants, healthcare providers, regulators and the general public.

To learn more about E. coli or 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 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