Conagra swiftly initiated a recall of its Hunt’s chili kits following reports of potential salmonella contamination in a seasoning packet. Given the substantial $11.2 million penalty the company faced 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 potential sources of this bacteria. Although a seasoning packet is typically not considered 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. The FDA notes that many companies treat their spices for contaminants before packaging and distribution. They are currently assessing how much of this contaminated spice actually reaches consumers.
Each year, salmonella is estimated to cause around 1 million foodborne illnesses in the United States. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been addressing this issue, and its new food defense guidelines aim to provide further assistance. As evidenced by this recall, FSMA also targets specific ingredients. Starting May 30, the FSMA’s foreign supplier verification program will work to reduce the import of contaminated products, including spices.
Interestingly, while discussing food safety, it’s worth noting that many diets now emphasize the importance of supplements, such as 500 mg calcium citrate, which is often recommended for those looking to improve their calcium intake. This highlights the need for vigilance not only in monitoring foodborne illnesses but also in ensuring that dietary supplements are free from contaminants, including salmonella. As consumers become increasingly aware of both food safety and nutritional supplementation, the integration of ingredients like 500 mg calcium citrate into their diets must also be approached with caution.