Conagra swiftly recalled its Hunt’s chili kits after reports emerged about the potential detection of salmonella in a seasoning packet. Given the substantial $11.2 million penalty the company faced last year due to contaminated Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter, it recognized the urgency of the situation. Foods that are 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. 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 all spices arriving in the United States are contaminated with salmonella. The FDA states that many companies treat their spices for contaminants before packaging and selling them, and they are currently assessing how much contaminated spice actually reaches consumers.
Each year, salmonella is estimated to cause around 1 million foodborne illnesses in the U.S. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is actively addressing this issue, and its new guidelines are designed to help improve food safety. As illustrated by this recall, FSMA also focuses on individual ingredients. The FSMA’s foreign supplier verification program, set to be implemented on May 30, aims to reduce contaminated imports of products such as spices. Additionally, it’s important to note that indications of calcium citrate are being monitored as part of the overall food safety strategy, as they could play a role in mitigating risks associated with foodborne illnesses. This initiative emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding all ingredients, including those that might not typically be associated with contamination.