Personal Injury Law

Salmonella Testing of Product Works - Sweet Superior Fruit LTD Recalls Cilantro (Coriander) Because Of Possible Health Risk

By Bill Marler, Esq.

Sweet Superior Fruit LTD. Co. of McAllen, Texas, is recalling 104 crates of fresh cilantro (coriander) because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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 Salmonellaoften 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.

The recalled fresh cilantro (coriander) was sold July 13-16, 2009 in 15 pound, black plastic crates to individuals and companies through cash sales at Sweet Superior Fruit LTD. Co., 2501 W. Military Hwy., Suite #A-5 and A-6, McAllen, Texas. The product may have been further sold through direct retail sales in McAllen, Texas and surrounding areas or used as an ingredient to manufacture additional products.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was revealed through testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration which found the presence of Salmonella in the product.

Individuals and companies who purchased fresh cilantro (coriander) from Sweet Superior Fruit LTD. Co., July 13-16, 2009, should immediately discontinue use of the product. Companies should make efforts to recall the product from customers and consumers who may have purchased the product and ask them to return or throw it away.

Consumers who have purchased fresh cilantro (coriander) in McAllen, Texas and surrounding areas since July 13, 2009 should determine from the store they purchased the product whether or not the fresh cilantro (coriander) they purchased is involved in this recall.

Full post as published by Marler Blog on July 19, 2009 (boomark / email).