A Michigan company, UBC Food Distributors, is recalling ground black pepper under the brand name Baraka due to potential salmonella contamination. The product is sold in clear plastic 7-ounce containers with an expiration date of January 2026 and UPC 8 22514 26626 6. The recall was issued after a routine state surveillance sample collected by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets tested positive for salmonella. While no illnesses have been reported, consumers are urged to return the product for a full refund.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, which can develop within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food. Treatment typically involves drinking extra fluids to prevent dehydration. Salmonella infections can lead to more severe conditions like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis if the bacteria enters the bloodstream.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are investigating the source of the potential contamination, and production of the product has been suspended as a precaution. The FDA advises consumers who have purchased the recalled ground black pepper to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Salmonella is one of the most common bacterial foodborne infections, sickening approximately 1.35 million people, leading to 26,500 hospitalizations, and causing 420 deaths in the United States each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The recall affects ground black pepper distributed nationwide at various retail and grocery stores. In response to the potential risk of salmonella, the FDA is alerting consumers to the importance of food safety and the risks associated with consuming contaminated products. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of symptoms of foodborne illnesses like salmonellosis and to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms after consuming potentially tainted food. While no illnesses related to the recalled ground black pepper have been reported, the FDA and UBC Food Distributors are working to address the issue and ensure the safety of consumers.
Consuming food contaminated with salmonella can have serious health consequences, especially for vulnerable populations. The bacteria can cause severe infections that may lead to hospitalization or even death in some cases. The presence of salmonella in ground black pepper underscores the importance of adhering to food safety guidelines and ensuring that products are handled, stored, and prepared properly to minimize the risk of contamination. As the investigation into the source of the salmonella contamination continues, consumers are urged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being.
