McCormick Ground Oregano Recall Issued Due to Salmonella Risk

More than 1,000 cases of McCormick Ground Oregano have been recalled after routine testing by federal health regulators indicated that it may be contaminated with Salmonella, a food-borne organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. 

A McCormick Ground Oregano recall was announced by the FDA on August 13, due to a risk of Salmonella contamination.

Although no illnesses have been reported to date, consumption of the oregano may pose a risk of salmonella food poisoning, which poses a particular concern for children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system.

The recall includes 1,032 cases of the popular 0.75 ounce bottles of McCormick Ground Oregano. The potentially contaminated bottles have UPC number 52100003566 and “Best By” date codes of August 21, 2016 and August 22, 2016.

McCormick announced in their recall the products included in this recall have item number 900356 and were distributed from April 4, 2014 through August 5, 2015 nationwide. The products were also distributed internationally to retailers and distributors in Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Indonesia, Jamaica, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Thailand, and Virgin Islands.

McCormick has sent notices and is alerting customers and grocery stores where the products were distributed to remove the potentially contaminated Oregano bottles from cupboards and store shelves and destroy them in a manner that would prevent further consumption.

Salmonella infections can cause mild to severe health consequences depending upon the individual. The bacteria may cause a healthy person to experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain whereas the young or elderly with weakened immune systems may face more severe consequences, including fatal infections. Occasionally, salmonella infections may travel through the bloodstream and produce illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Salmonella bacterium has over 2,300 serotypes that account for roughly 1.4 million food borne illnesses per year and roughly 400 fatalities annually in the United States alone.

Customers with further questions about the recall may contact McCormick & Company at 1-800-632-5847 on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. pm EST and also for information on how to obtain a full refund.