New Law Blogs

White Pepper "Link'' to Salmonella Outbreak Cited

By PritzkerLaw

The Washoe County Health District in northern Nevada and health officials from Carson City, Nevada, say that investigators have linked "Uncle Chen" brand white pepper to a four-state outbreak of Salmonella.

A broader association had been drawn to white and black pepper made by Union International Food Co., under the "Uncle Chen" and "Lian How'' labels. But in a press release Tuesday labeled "hot" news, the county and city said the outbreak was specifically linked to "Uncle Chen'' white ground pepper.

The authorities warned consumers  to avoid the seasoning and instructed restaurants and grocery stores to remove it.

 "Ground white pepper products from the Union International Food Co. have been linked to a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella. The discovery of Salmonella in food samples collected from restaurants and food distributors prompted these recommendations,'' the press release said.

So far, investigators have confirmed 33 illnesses in California, four in northern Nevada, four in the area of Portland, Oregon, and one in Washington state. As part of the public health response to the outbreak (which has included eight hospitalizations) the California Department of Public Health has disclosed a list of  Union International's customers, mostly in California.

Union International has recalled its black and white peppers, along with other seasonings ranging from tumeric to wasabi powder.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has been monitoring the outbreak. The firm has considerable experience and a reputation for success in representing survivors of foodborne illnesses. The firm also is devoted to educating the public about food safety issues and advocating for badly needed food safety legislation and increased funding for the federal, state and local agencies charged with protecting our food and enforcing food safety laws.

To contact a Salmonella attorney at the firm, call 1-888-377-8900 or complete one of our free online case consultation forms.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on March 31, 2009 (boomark / email).