Cilantro Recall: Risk of Food Poisoning from Salmonella

More than 100 crates of fresh cilantro, also known as coriander, have been recalled by a Texas distributor due to potential contamination that may cause salmonella food poisoning.

The cilantro recall was announced by Sweet Superior Fruit, Ltd. of McAllen, Texas on July 18, 2009, after the presence of Salmonella bacteria was found in the product by the FDA.

There are 104 crates of fresh cilantro involved in the recall, which were sold to individuals and companies between July 13 and July 16 in 15 pound, black plastic crates by Sweet Superior Fruit. The cilantro may have been further sold through retail sales in McAllen, Texas and surrounding areas, or used as an ingredient in additional products.

Leaves from cilantro are commonly used in both Chinese and Mexican dishes, such as salsa and guacamole, and the seeds are used in a number of cuisines as well, particularly Asian and Indian dishes, like curry. Though the names cilantro and coriander are interchangeable, many refer to just the seeds, which are actually a fruit, as coriander.

The FDA advises anyone who purchased fresh cilantro or coriander in McAllen or the surrounding area to contact the store where they purchased the product to determine whether it is part of the recall. Anyone with fresh cilantro or coriander determined to be part of the cilantro recall should discontinue use of the product.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious and potentially life-threatening food poisoning, especially among young children, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Rarely, it can result in a blood infection that leads to arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

To date, there have been no reported cases of salmonella food poisoning from the cilantro recall.