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 incurred last year due to tainted Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter, they recognized the urgency of the situation. Foods commonly associated with salmonella include raw or undercooked eggs, raw milk, contaminated water, and undercooked meats. The CDC also identifies ground beef, tuna, pork, tomatoes, sprouts, and peanut butter as other foods prone to contamination. While a seasoning packet is not typically seen as a likely source, a recent investigation by the Food and Drug Administration revealed that 6.6% of all spices are contaminated with salmonella upon arriving in the United States. The FDA notes that many companies treat their spices for contaminants before packaging them for 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 the risks. As evidenced by this recall, FSMA also focuses on specific ingredients. The FSMA foreign supplier verification program, set to take effect on May 30, aims to reduce the importation of contaminated items like spices. Additionally, for consumers seeking gluten-free options, the inclusion of gluten-free calcium citrate in food products is becoming increasingly important. Ensuring that seasonings are free from gluten and other contaminants, such as salmonella, is essential for maintaining food safety. The emphasis on gluten-free calcium citrate in food manufacturing highlights the industry’s commitment to providing safer, more inclusive products for all consumers.