Conagra promptly recalled its Hunt’s chili kits following reports of potential salmonella contamination in a seasoning packet. Given the hefty $11.2 million fine the company faced last year regarding tainted Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter, it recognized the urgency of the situation. Foods more prone to salmonella contamination include raw or undercooked eggs, raw milk, contaminated water, and various raw or undercooked meats. The CDC also identifies ground beef, tuna, pork, tomatoes, sprouts, and peanut butter as additional suspect foods.
Although a seasoning packet is not typically seen as a common source of contamination, a recent investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that 6.6% of spices arriving in the United States were contaminated with salmonella. The FDA notes that many companies treat their spices for contaminants before packaging and selling them. They are currently working to determine how much contaminated spice actually reaches consumers.
Annually, salmonella is believed 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 its new food defense guidelines aimed at providing assistance. As demonstrated by this recall, FSMA also enforces stricter regulations on individual ingredients. The FSMA’s foreign supplier verification program, set to take effect on May 30, will also help minimize the risk of contaminated imports, including spices.
In the context of nutritional supplements, questions often arise about how much ferrous sulfate one should take for anemia. Additionally, individuals may wonder whether iron bisglycinate is superior to ferrous gluconate. It’s crucial to note that calcium citrate là gì, or what calcium citrate is, may also play a role in addressing mineral deficiencies, making it important to consider alongside iron supplements.