Paprika Recall Expanded Because of Possible Contamination

AP ^ | june11, 2004

[nuconvert]

Paprika Recall Expanded Because of Possible Contamination

The Associated Press

Jun 11, 2004

WASHINGTON (AP) - Penzeys Spices has expanded its recall of Hungarian Sweet Paprika, sold nationwide, because of possible salmonella contamination. The Brookfield, Wis., company said Friday the recall involves all sizes of Hungarian Sweet Paprika distributed Jan. 2-9 through mail orders as well as in Penzeys Spices retail stores in 12 states: Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

The expanded recall comes weeks after Penzeys recalled packages of another paprika version, Hungarian Half-Sharp and some of its Hungarian Sweet Paprika, because of possible salmonella contamination.

Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to infection from salmonella. It can be fatal. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The company said no reports of illness have been received.

The product comes in 1.2-ounce plastic jars, 2.5-ounce clear glass jars and in 4-ounce, 8-ounce and 16-ounce bags.

The recalled products are marked with the code 47535, 47551, 47548, 47580 and 47519.

Penzeys said 6,388 jars and 2,550 bags were produced.

Routine testing by inspectors revealed salmonella in some 1.2-ounce jars of Hungarian Paprika, Penzeys said.

Consumers may return the recalled spice to the nearest Penzeys Spice store or contact the company for refund information at 1-800-741-7787.

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"Rather than concentrate on sanitation ..."

And there's the REAL reason the food industry wants to push irradiation.
Of course, with so much of our food products coming from other countries, we can't depend on it being clean and safe to eat.

[hedgetrimmer]

May 28, 2004


As you may have already heard, this week we have issued a voluntary recall on our ½ cup jars of Hungarian Half-Sharp Paprika. After a routine Florida Department of Agriculture inspection it was discovered that some 2.5 oz jars of the Hungarian Half-Sharp Paprika registered positive for Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date and this recall affects only the Half-Sharp Paprika purchased since August of 2003. To be extra cautious we have voluntarily recalled all package sizes of the Hungarian Half-Sharp Paprika including 1.25 oz jars, 2.5 oz jars, 4-ounce bags, 8-ounce bags and 1 pound bags. The packages in question are marked with the codes 47656, 47614, 47685, 47643, and 47630 just below the bar code. This recall does not affect any of our other spices or seasonings.

Our mail-order and internet customers are being notified by mail and press releases have been issued in an effort to get the word out. If you have purchased our Hungarian Half-Sharp Paprika between August 2003 and May 2004, please dispose of your current package and call us at 1-800-741-7787 so we can arrange for replacement, refund, or credit to your account as well as answer any questions you may have.

We know this notice may seem less personal than our normal contact with you but we wanted to get the word out right away.

Update--June 10, 2004

2.5 oz. jars of Hungarian Sweet Paprika have been added this recall. Subsequent testing of different lots of sweet paprika turned up one jar of Hungarian Sweet Paprika testing positive for salmonella. All other tests have come out negative. The paprika in question was sent via mail order between February 4, 2004 and April 5, 2004 and was available in our stores beginning February 1, 2004. Again, please contact us at 1-800-741-7787 for refund or replacement.