The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a recall for Pak National Foods Limited?s National Black Pepper Powder because of possible salmonella contamination, which can lead to salmonellosis. This foodborne illness is known to potentially cause serious and even deadly infections, especially in those who have weakened immune systems, such as the elderly.

Symptoms of salmonellosis include vomiting, nausea, high fever, severe headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe arthritis, endocarditis, and infected aneurysms are long-term complications associated with salmonellosis as well.

The recalled National Black Pepper Powder, produced in Pakistan and imported by Pak National Foods Limited of Richmond, British Columbia, has a UPC of 6 20514 00077 0 and says ?B.B. END May 2010?.

Consumers can contact the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Sources: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), ?CFIA/Warning: Health Hazard Alert-National Black Pepper Powder May Contain Salmonella Bacteria? March 26, 2008.