Health Law

Georgia Peppers Recalled in Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts

By Marler Clark

Georgia's agricultural problems continue as Anaheim peppers are recalled from distribution in Ohio and two other states.  WTTE and the Associated Press report that Herring Produce is recalling half-bushel boxes of the peppers due to Salmonella contamination.  The affected peppers carry the lot number 0801206.

Georgia agriculture suffered quite a blow when the Peanut Corporation of America's facility in Blakeley, GA was determined to be the source of a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella in peanut products that sickened 700 and caused the deaths of nine.  Consumers stayed away from peanuts, and consumption dropped 25%.  Georgia, the country's largest peanut producer, felt the chilling effects of that drop.

In the wake of the PCA outbreak, Georgia tightened regulation for foodborne pathogens in processing plants.  According to Beth Bland of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, that regulation does not change oversight of fresh food growers.

Ms. Bland also knew the other states involved in the recall, New York and Massachusetts.  "There was only one positive sample found," she said.  "And that was in New York."

No illnesses have been associated with the contaminated peppers. 

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on July 10, 2009 (boomark / email).