Kentucky-based food company Thorntons, Incorporated announced, last October 1, a recall for two varieties of its salad products. The products are being recalled because of the possibility of bacterial contamination.

The problem of potential contamination was discovered when one lot of grape tomatoes tested positive for the harmful Salmonella bacteria. These samples were taken randomly and so there is a possibility that all the rest of the lot has also been contaminated.

The recalled products are Garden Salad and Chef Salad. The garden salad variety are packed in 6-ounce containers, while the chef salad variety are packed in 5.6-ounce containers. The recalled salads’ container is composed of a black bowl and a clear lid that can be re-used if the need arises. The expiration dates are from September 30, 2011 to October 3, 2011. The affected salads were distributed in different areas in the states of Illinois (Chicago), Ohio (Cincinnati and Columbus), Indiana (Indianapolis), Tennessee (Nashville) and Kentucky (Lexington).

Salmonella is a very harmful bacterial contaminant. Consumption of foods containing this bacterium will cause serious health emergencies to the consumer. Common symptoms of this kind of food poisoning include fever, nausea, abdominal pains and vomiting. For elderly or frail people, eating foods that have been contaminated by the bacteria can lead to death. Currently, however, there have been no reports about people being admitted for food poisoning.

Customers who were able to buy any of the salad varieties are urged to return them to their place of purchase. They may also call 1-866-473-0017 with any questions they might have regarding the recall.