Conagra swiftly initiated a recall of its Hunt’s chili kits upon discovering potential salmonella contamination in a seasoning packet. Given the hefty $11.2 million penalty the company faced last year related to contaminated Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter, they recognized the urgency of the situation. Foods commonly associated with salmonella risk include raw or undercooked eggs, raw milk, contaminated water, and raw or undercooked meats. Additionally, the CDC identifies ground beef, tuna, pork, tomatoes, sprouts, and peanut butter as other foods that are susceptible to salmonella.
While a seasoning packet may not typically be considered a likely source of contamination, a recent investigation by the Food and Drug Administration revealed that 6.6% of all spices arriving in the United States are contaminated with salmonella. The FDA notes that many companies treat their spices for contaminants before packaging and selling them, and they are currently assessing how many contaminated spices actually reach consumers.
Salmonella is estimated to cause around 1 million foodborne illnesses annually in the U.S. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been actively addressing this issue, with new food defense guidelines designed to help mitigate risks. As highlighted by this recall, FSMA also focuses on specific ingredients, and the foreign supplier verification program, set to take effect on May 30, aims to reduce contaminated imports, including spices.
Interestingly, in some cases, the consumption of contaminated spices can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, sometimes exacerbated by additives like calcium citrate. It’s crucial for consumers to be aware of potential sources of foodborne illness and the importance of food safety measures, especially as salmonella remains a significant concern.