Another potential threat from salmonella prompts recall of ground pepper in Florida, US

Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
·2 min read
2

Another food recall has been issued due to the potential threat from salmonella.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced ground black pepper sold in retail stores nationwide should be returned for a full refund.

The announcement was made because the pepper "has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella."

On Saturday, June 1, the FDA announced a recall of cucumbers from a Florida farm being investigated for a possible connection to a current salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 141 people.

Cucumber recall: Cucumbers from a Florida farm recalled for bacteria. What we know

What ground pepper is being recalled?

UBC Food Distributors is recalling ground black pepper sold under the Baraka brand name in 7 ounce plastic containers due to the potential threat from salmonella.
UBC Food Distributors is recalling ground black pepper sold under the Baraka brand name in 7 ounce plastic containers due to the potential threat from salmonella.

UBC Food Distributors in Dearborn, Michigan, is recalling ground black pepper sold under the Baraka brand name in 7-ounce plastic containers.

  • UPC code: 8 22514 26626 6

  • Expiration date: January 2026

Pepper recalled because of salmonella threat

The Baraka ground black pepper is being recalled because of "the potential to be contaminated with salmonella," the FDA said.

"The potential for contamination was noted after the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development notified us (the FDA) of the contamination based on a routine state surveillance sample collected by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets that tested positive for salmonella.

"Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem."

Where was the recalled Baraka pepper sold?

The FDA said Baraka ground black pepper was distributed nationwide in retail stores.

Has anyone gotten sick from the recalled pepper?

No illnesses have been reported to date, the FDA said.

What should you do if you have the recalled Baraka pepper?

Consumers who have purchased 7-ounce containers of ground black pepper are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 313-846-8117 Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can make people sick. It can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

What are symptoms of a salmonella infection?

Most people with a salmonella infection have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, the Centers for Disease Control said.

Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks.

Most people with diarrhea caused by salmonella recover completely, although some people’s bowel habits may not return to normal for a few months, the CDC said.

How common is a salmonella infection?

The CDC estimated salmonella causes about 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Black pepper recall: FDA says contamination found in Baraka samples