Michigan company recalls ground black pepper after testing shows Salmonella

UBC Food Distributors in Dearborn, MI, is recalling the Ground Black Pepper under the Baraka brand name in 7-ounce plastic containers with UPC code 8 22514 26626 6 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. 

The recalled “black pepper” was distributed nationwide in retail stores.

The product comes in a 7 ounce, clear plastic jar marked with expiration date of January 2026 on the back of the label, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development notified the company of the contamination based on a routine state surveillance sample collected by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets that tested positive for Salmonella in some 7-ounce packages of ground black pepper.

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

Consumers who have purchased 7-ounce container of ground black pepper are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 313-846-8117.

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 pepper and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Microscopic amounts of the pepper can contain enough Salmonella to make a person sick. 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.

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