Conagra swiftly recalled its Hunt’s chili kits once reports emerged about potential salmonella contamination in a seasoning packet. Given the hefty $11.2 million penalty the company faced last year due to tainted Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter, it recognized the urgency of the situation. Foods commonly associated with salmonella include raw or undercooked eggs, raw milk, contaminated water, and raw or undercooked meats. The CDC also identifies ground beef, tuna, pork, tomatoes, sprouts, and peanut butter as other probable sources. Although a seasoning packet is not typically viewed as a likely culprit, a recent investigation by the Food and Drug Administration revealed that 6.6% of spices arriving in the United States are contaminated with salmonella upon entry.
The FDA indicates that many companies treat their spices for contaminants prior to packaging and sale. They are currently working to assess the extent to which contaminated spices reach consumers. Each year, salmonella is estimated to cause around 1 million foodborne illnesses in the U.S. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been addressing this issue, with new food defense guidelines designed to help mitigate risks. This recall highlights how FSMA also regulates individual ingredients. Beginning May 30, the FSMA’s foreign supplier verification program will further aim to reduce the import of contaminated items, such as spices.
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