Safeway Organic Celery Seed Recall: Salmonella Food Poisoning Risk

Safeway is pulling six lots of O Organics Organic Celery Seed off its shelves after tests showed that the bottles may be contaminated with salmonella. 

The Safeway organic celery seed recall was announced by the FDA on December 16, after salmonella contamination was detected through routine testing by the distributor, B&M, Inc.

There have been no salmonella food poisoning cases reported in connection with the celery seed recall.

The recall affects organic celery seeds sold under the O Organics label at all Safeway owned stores, including Safeway, Carrs, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Pak’N’Save, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Vons.

The seed was sold in 1.8 oz glass bottles marked with UPC 0-7989341124-8 from May 25, 2011 through December 16, 2011. The recall affects the following lot numbers and “Best By” dates:

• 1381102A, May 18, 2013
• 2141102A, August 02, 2013
• 2591106A, September 16, 2013
• 2741106A, October 01, 2013
• 2921102A, October 19, 2013
• 3321110A, November 28, 2013

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing mild to severe food poisoning. For most healthy adults, symptoms of food poisoning from salmonella typically resolve after a few days or weeks.

Young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems have an increased risk of suffering severe food poisoning after ingesting the bacteria. If not properly treated, some cases of salmonella food poisoning can lead to hospitalization, dehydration or death.

B&M recommends that consumers with affected bottles of organic celery seed return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact B&M at (877) 321-5852 or Safeway at 1-800-SAFEWAY.