World Variety Produce Incorporated announced March 18, 2011, a product recall for its Serrano peppers due to a possible Salmonella bacteria contamination. The company, which is situated in Los Angeles, California, immediately made the announcement after the potential contamination was discovered by USDA.
During a routine sampling done by the department, it was revealed that the samples tested were positive with the bacteria. World Variety has stopped the production, as well as the distribution of the said pepper variety. Investigation is still going on regarding the cause of the bacterial contamination.
The product recall is limited to 300 cases of Serrano peppers with Lot number 69073901 which were sold in bulk. The peppers are produced from Mexico. These were put on display from March 1 until March 18.
Salmonella is one of the most harmful bacteria that can cause infections to people. Bacterial infection with Salmonella can cause very serious health risks which can sometimes lead to death. Symptoms of this kind of infection include nausea, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever and vomiting.
Currently, no bacterial infections have been reported related to the product recall. The affected Serrano peppers were distributed in Wal-Mart stores in the areas of Wisconsin, Utah, Montana and Wyoming. The peppers were also sold in Illinois, in Jewel-Osco stores.
Customers who bought the affected peppers are advised to return them to the stores in order to get a refund. They can also call World Variety at the company’s hotline, 1 800-588-0151. Customer service officers are available from Monday until Friday, 6 AM until 5 PM, PST.
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