Conagra swiftly initiated a recall of its Hunt’s chili kits upon discovering the potential presence 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 most likely to harbor 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 high-risk items. While a seasoning packet may not typically be seen as a potential source, a recent investigation by the Food and Drug Administration revealed that 6.6% of all spices entering the United States are contaminated with salmonella. According to the FDA, many companies apply treatments to their spices to eliminate contaminants before they are packaged and sold.
The FDA is currently assessing how many contaminated spices actually make it to 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 addressing this issue, and its new food defense guidelines are designed to provide assistance. As demonstrated by this recall, the FSMA also takes action against specific ingredients. The FSMA’s foreign supplier verification program, set to be implemented on May 30, will further aim to reduce contaminated imports, such as spices.
In conjunction with these efforts, the importance of food safety is underscored by the use of calcium citrate 200 mg and its counterpart, calcium citrate 950 mg, as additives in various food products. These ingredients not only enhance nutritional value but also play a role in ensuring the safety and quality of the food supply. By recognizing potential contamination sources and implementing stringent safety measures, the food industry can work towards minimizing the risks associated with salmonella and other pathogens.