MDH Sambhar Masala Recalled In The US After Food Regulator Finds The Presence Of Salmonella Bacteria

Three batches of MDH Sambar masala have been recalled by the company's US distributor after the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) found the presence of Salmonella bacteria.

“This product was tested by FDA through a certified laboratory to be positive for salmonella,” the US Food and Drug Authority said in an official release adding that the recall was “initiated after it was discovered by the FDA that the salmonella contaminated products were distributed.”

FDA

The three lots were manufactured by R-Pure Agro Specialities, sold by House of Spices (India) and was distributed in northern California retail stores.

The FDA also urged consumers who have purchased the masala to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.?

According to FDA the consumption of food contaminated with salmonella can cause salmonellosis, which one of the most common bacterial foodborne diseases like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.

"The symptoms of the disease are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days," it said.

While most patients recuperate from salmonellosis often treatment, some may suffer severe diarrhea requiring hospitalization, FDA said, adding that in a worse case, patients may develop a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, rash, blood in the urine or stool and, in some cases, salmonellosis may become fatal.

“Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness,” it said.

BCCL

MDH, which was founded in 1919 is one of the biggest spice manufacturers in India and enjoys around 12 percent of the market share.

The company is yet to issue a statement on the development in the US and whether malala from the same batch has been sold in India.