Minnesota + Wisconsin Are Included In Massive New Spice Recall

With cookouts, graduation parties, and other gatherings in full swing, people are enjoying each other's company and great food across the country.

When it comes to cookouts and potlucks, handling food and properly cooking it is crucial so that everyone stays healthy. However, sometimes that is out of our control when a common product we're using was contaminated from the beginning without our prior knowledge.

That's why it's important to stay on top of food recalls and follow their course of action. Recently, the FDA announced the recall of a common spice that is likely found in a majority of homes across the country. The big question is, which brand did you buy?

Spice Recall Issued June 3, 2024

According to the FDA, BC Food Distributors, of Dearborn Michigan is recalling Ground Black Pepper under the Baraka brand name in 7oz plastic containers because they could be contaminated with Salmonella. A routine state surveillance sample collected by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets found the presence of Salmonella in some 7-ounce packages of Ground Black Pepper.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

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Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

The recalled 7oz plastic containers of Baraka Ground Black Pepper were distributed nationwide in retail stores in clear packaging. The packaging features UPC code 8 22514 26626 6 and an expiration date of January 2026 on the back of the label.

FDA

Production of the product has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

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Consumers who have purchased a 7-ounce container of ground black pepper are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 313-846-8117 Monday to Friday between 9 am to 5 pm. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.