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Stop eating these peppercorn

Salmonella recall in effect for this spice
Simply Organic whole peppercorns were recalled by the manufacturer because of a positive test for salmonella. The product was sold locally.

Simply Organic black peppercorns sold at City Market and other retailers have been recalled because of possible salmonella contamination.

The whole peppercorns were sold in 2.65-ounce glass jars. Lots 3221, 3261 and 3262 were affected; the number is stamped at the bottom of the bottle.

The peppercorns were part of a voluntary national recall by the manufacturer, Frontier Natural Products of Norway, Iowa.

The recalled peppercorns were sold from Aug. 9, 2013, to April 3 under the brands Simply Organic, Frontier, Sprouts and Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value. The products were sold in all 50 states, Frontier said in a news release.

No illnesses have been tied to the recalled items, the company said. Flannery O’Neil, a San Juan Basin Health Department official, said there have been no local salmonella cases associated with the peppercorns.

Customers who bought the product at local City Markets were given warnings on their receipt on subsequent visits: “The product may be contaminated with salmonella and if eaten, could result in severe illness to those individuals who may consume this product.”

Customers can return the peppercorns for a full refund.

Kelli McGannon, a spokeswoman for City Market and King Soopers, said the retailer had little role in the recall.

“We always acknowledge recalls, but those are issued by the manufacturer,” she said.

The peppercorns were steam pasteurized at the source and tested negative for salmonella by Frontier. But salmonella did turn up in a subsequent random test, the company said.

Healthy people infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, Frontier said. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in more severe illnesses.

cslothower@durangoherald.com



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