3/29/2012
Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is warning consumers about a salsa recall affecting 11 states, including West Virginia.
Club Chef LLC is recalling its 12-oz., 16-oz. and 5-lb. salsa products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The product is sold in 12-oz. (Private Selection brand name) and 16-oz. (Heinen’s brand name) clear plastic packages and 5-lb. plastic trays (food service distributors) marked with use-by date of 3/27/2012. UPC numbers located on the packages are as follows: Private Selection 12-oz. brand: PICO DE GALLO – UPC# 11111091135; HOT SALSA – UPC# 1111091139; MILD SALSA – UPC# 1111091137. Heinen’s 16-oz. brand: HOT SALSA – UPC# 2060100024; MILD SALSA – UPC# 2060100026.
“Consumers should check to make sure they do not have any of these salsa products as they could cause severe illness, especially in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems,” said Commissioner Douglass.
The identified product was distributed to retailers and food service distributors on 3/14/12 and 3/15/12. Other affected states include Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana and Illinois.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, but consumers should remain cautious. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The potential for contamination was noted after a random test by the Ohio Department of Agriculture in an Ohio store which revealed the presence of Salmonella in a case of Jalapeno peppers. Jalapeno peppers are one of the ingredients in the salsa.
Consumers who have purchased the salsa products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-859-578-3143, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EST.
Contact Information
Department of Agriculture
304-558-3200