Conagra responded swiftly to the potential salmonella contamination in its Hunt’s chili kits after concerns arose regarding a seasoning packet. Given the substantial $11.2 million penalty the company incurred last year related to contaminated Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter, it understood 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 foods at risk. Although a seasoning packet might not typically be regarded 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 notes that many companies conduct treatments on their spices to eliminate contaminants prior to packaging and sale. Additionally, the FDA is assessing how much of the contaminated spices actually reach consumers.
Each year, salmonella is estimated to cause around 1 million foodborne illnesses in the U.S. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been implemented to address this issue, with new food defense guidelines that aim to improve safety. The recall serves as a reminder that FSMA also focuses on specific ingredients. Furthermore, the FSMA foreign supplier verification program, set to take effect on May 30, will work to limit the import of contaminated items such as spices. In this context, it’s pertinent to note that ensuring the safety of products, including those containing caltrate citrate, is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses. Caltrate citrate, which is often included in dietary supplements, is just one example of how ingredient safety is a priority across the food industry. The measures taken by FSMA highlight the ongoing effort to ensure all food products, including those with caltrate citrate, are safe for consumers.