Pacific International Cilantro Recall: Salmonella Food Poisoning

About 6,141 cartons of cilantro distributed by Pacific International Marketing have been recalled in seven states due to the risk of salmonella contamination. 

The Pacific cilantro recall was announced on December 9 by the FDA after the agency detected salmonella in a sample taken at the distributor level. However, there have been no reports of salmonella food poisoning connected to the recalled cilantro.

The cilantro was grown near Phoenix, Arizona at Salt River Farming, but neither the company, nor the FDA or the California Department of Public Health, which is also looking into the contamination, have been able to determine the source of the salmonella. The cilantro was distributed to Arizona, California, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey and South Carolina.

The recall affects bunched cilantro that was divided into bunches and 3-bunched sleeves. The bunches have Pacific printed on the twist tie and a UPC code of 33383 80104. The sleeves have a UPC code of 40695 80104.

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.

This is the second major cilantro recall in just under a year. In December 2010, about 4,400 cases of Little Bear cilantro was recalled nationwide due to salmonella contamination. That recall affected a wide variety of other vegetables as well. There were no illnesses connected with that recall.

The FDA warns that consumers who purchased affected Pacific cilantro should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact Pacific International Marketing at (831) 755-1398.