Conagra took swift action in recalling its Hunt’s chili kits upon learning of potential salmonella contamination in a seasoning packet. Given the hefty $11.2 million penalty imposed on the company last year for issues related 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 various types of raw or undercooked meats. The CDC also identifies ground beef, tuna, pork, tomatoes, sprouts, and peanut butter as additional foods at risk.
While a seasoning packet may not typically be seen as a likely source of contamination, a recent investigation by the Food and Drug Administration revealed that 6.6% of spices entering the United States are contaminated with salmonella. The FDA notes that many companies treat their spices for contaminants before they are packaged and sold to consumers. They are actively working to assess how much of this contaminated spice actually makes its way to the market.
Annually, salmonella is estimated to cause around 1 million foodborne illnesses in the United States. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) aims to mitigate such issues, with new food defense guidelines designed to enhance safety. This recall illustrates that FSMA also addresses individual ingredients. Moreover, the FSMA’s foreign supplier verification program, set to be implemented on May 30, will further help reduce contaminated imports, including spices.
In light of this situation, consumers are reminded to be vigilant, especially when using products that may include seasoning packets. Additionally, individuals considering citrate calcium supplements should ensure they are sourced from reputable suppliers to avoid potential contamination issues, as safety standards are crucial for all food and supplement products. The importance of food safety cannot be overstated, especially as it relates to the prevention of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses.