North Carolina officials seek link to Tempeh, Salmonella outbreak strain

38 cases of Salmonella paratyhpi B have been reported. On Monday, a Smiling Hara voluntarily recalled 12-ounce packages of unpasteurized soybean Tempeh because of possible contamination with Salmonella.

Chad Oliphant, of Smiling Hara Tempeh announced that the company initiated a voluntary recall of all Smiling Hara products out of an abundance of caution.  The products in question were manufactured between January 11, and April 11, 2012. This includes all varieties and sizes of tempeh with a Best Buy date of 7/11/12 through 10/25/12.

Tempeh is made from cooked and slightly fermented soybeans and formed into a patty, similar to a very firm veggie burger. Many commercially prepared brands add other grains and spices.

Buncombe County Health (BCHD) officials said that the disease transmission is linked to the outbreak in one of three ways: those who have eaten tempeh, those who have connections to others who have been ill with Salmonella paratyphi B (person-to-person) and others that are under further investigation to determine if there are other sources of contamination associated with the outbreak. Cases have surfaced in North and South Carolina, Tennessee and New York.  See May 1 BCHD statement.  The BCHD also warned people with Salmonella paratyphi B to avoid preparing food for others and to follow proper hand washing procedures.  Sick people who work with food, in childcare settings, or in healthcare facilities should stay home from work until lab tests show they are no longer contagious.  See May 2 BCHD statement.  Picture of recalled Tempeh: