The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of Wal-Mart and HEB brand taco seasoning. According to the FDA, the taco seasoning may be contaminated with Salmonella. Here is what consumers need to know about the recall, Salmonella and food safety.
Taco Seasoning Recalled due to Salmonella
Williams Foods LLC, the manufacturer, is recalling the taco seasoning because it contains cumin from a manufacturer involved in a separate recall. Mincing Spice Co. has recalled a specific lot of cumin after tests suggested the lot was contaminated with Salmonella. The cumin included in Wal-Mart and HEB taco seasoning contains cumin sourced from Mincing Spice Co.
According to the FDA Company Announcement, the taco seasoning subject to this recall can be identified by the following:
Great Value Mild Taco Seasoning Mix
- 1 oz package
- UPC – 078742245720
- Best by dates – 7/8/21 and 7/9/21
HEB Taco Seasoning Mix Reduced Sodium
- 25 oz package
- UPC – 041220196090
- Better by dates – 7/10/21, 7/11/21 and 7/15/21
According to the FDA, the products are sold in grocery stores across the United States. Consumers who use Great Value or HEB brand taco seasoning mix should carefully check packaging before use. If you have taco seasoning that is subject to a recall, you should dispose of it or return to the place of purchase for a refund.
Consumers who have questions about the recall can contact Williams Foods LLC by calling 1-800-847-5608. Any adverse events related to the use of these products should be reported to the FDA via MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program
What Consumers Should Know about Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacteria that causes millions of foodborne illnesses each year. The illness associated with Salmonella is called Salmonellosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers some interesting data about the occurrence of Salmonella in the U.S. CDC data shows:
- Around 1.35 million people develop Salmonellosis each year.
- Each year, around 26,500 people are hospitalized due to Salmonella.
- Each year, around 420 people die from Salmonellosis or complications thereof.
- Food is the most common source of Salmonella infection in the U.S.
What are the Symptoms of Salmonellosis?
People who ingest Salmonella bacteria may begin to experience symptoms within six hours. However, some people do not experience symptoms until days, or up to one week, after exposure. The most common symptoms of Salmonellosis include:
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
These symptoms generally last 4-7 days. Most people who have Salmonellosis recover without incident. Some people, however, do experience more severe symptoms or complications that can be uncomfortable at best, or life-threatening at worst. More severe symptoms or signs of complications include:
- Fever over 102 degrees
- Diarrhea that lasts longer than three days
- Bloody stools
- Prolonged vomiting
- Signs of dehydration:
- Decrease in urine output
- Dry throat and/or mouth
- Dizziness
People with more severe symptoms may be treated with antibiotics. Anyone with Salmonellosis should drink plenty of clear fluids and get adequate rest. If symptoms worsen of there are signs of an infection, get medical attention immediately. In rare cases, Salmonellosis can cause infection that spreads to the bloodstream, which can be fatal.
Current Salmonella Outbreak Investigations
One thing that this recall highlights is that a there are many moving parts in food manufacturing. Often, certain ingredients are sourced from one company or location, and then are processed in another facility. This presents several opportunities for products to become contaminated or adulterated before reaching consumers.
Currently, there are several Salmonella outbreaks under investigation by the CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These outbreaks represent hundreds of illnesses across the U.S. The two most concerning outbreaks include:
Peaches – An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis
- 78 cases
- 23 hospitalizations
- 12 states
Onions – An outbreak of Salmonella Newport
- 1,102 cases
- 136 hospitalizations
- 47 states
Have Questions about Foodborne Illness?
Consumers have every right to worry about food safety and the sudden increase in foodborne illness outbreaks. At a time when our nation is already battling illness due to COVID-19, the last thing we need to worry about is the safety of our food supply.
If you have questions about foodborne illness or your rights as a consumer, contact Bad Food Recall. Our legal professionals can help you explore your rights and options if you become ill due to a food that is subject to a recall.
Contact Bad Food Recall by calling 1-877-534-5750. You can also get more information by filling out our online contact form.
Sources:
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/williams-foods-llc-initiates-voluntary-recall-taco-seasoning-product-due-possible-presence
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program
- https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/newport-07-20/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis-08-20/index.html
