The FDA has announced that Agricola Zaragoza, Inc. of McAllen, Texas is recalling Jalapeno Peppers distributed since June 30th, 2008 (see CDC Report below) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes-fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often 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 Jalapeno Peppers being recalled were shipped in 35lb. plastic crates and in 50lb. bags with no brand name or label. The recall is a result of sampling by FDA, which revealed that these Jalapeno Peppers were contaminated with the same strain of Salmonella Saintpaul responsible for the current Salmonella outbreak. It is unknown at this time, which, if any, of the more than 1,200 illnesses reported to date is related to this particular product or to the grower who supplied this product. Distribution of these products has been suspended while FDA, the Texas Department of State Health Services and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.
So, they are only recalling Jalapeno Peppers "since June 30th"?
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Why, if the CDC says the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak, which now numbers 1251 ill, whose illnesses began between April 10 and July 4, 2008, including 19 who became ill on July 1 or later, is the recall only start June 30th? So, that means that something started sickening people BEFORE June 30th? What? Tomatoes still not off the hook?
To make matters even more confusing, the FDA announced that Grande Produce, LTD. is recalling Jalapeno Peppers, Serrano Peppers, and Avocados do to a possible health risk.
NOTE: "According to the Texas and North Carolina Departments of Health, the strain of Salmonella found in this company’s jalapeño and serrano peppers and in its avocado is not Salmonella Saintpaul, and is not believed to be related to the current Salmonella outbreak.
Grande Produce, LTD. CO of Hidalgo, Texas (hereinafter referred to as Grande Produce) is recalling Jalepeno Peppers and Serrano Peppers distributed between May 17th and July 17th, 2008; and Avocados, all sizes, with lot #HUE08160090889 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The Jalapeno Peppers, Serrano Peppers and Avocados were distributed to the following states: TX, DE, NC, GA, OK, IA, MN, IL, FL, IN, MD, NY, MS, AR, KS, and KY. The avocados being recalled were shipped in boxes labeled "Frutas Finas de Tancitaro HASS Avocados, Produce of Mexico," all sizes, with lot number HUE08160090889. The Jalapeno Peppers and Serrano peppers being recalled were shipped in 35lb. plastic crates with no brand name or label.