World Variety Produce Inc. of Los Angeles is recalling organic zucchini shipped to Walmart stores in 18 states after government testing revealed contamination with Salmonella.
“Consumers who have purchased the recalled organic Marketside zucchini are urged to destroy and dispose of recalled product,” according to a company notice.
The Marketside brand organic zucchini was shipped to Walmart stores in Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin, according to the company’s recall notice.
The contamination was discovered during routine testing by the Food and Drug Administration.
The recall zucchini can be identified by the following label information:
| Brand | Organic Marketside |
| Packaging | Clear Overwrap Tray |
| Pack/Weight | 2ct / Net Wt. 6oz (170g) |
| UPC Code | 6-81131-22105-4 |
| Case Lot Number | 38706503 |
No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled organic zucchini as of the posting of the company’s notice on April 19.
Consumers with questions may contact World Variety Produce Inc. at 800-588-0151.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled zucchini and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here)