Two separate recalls were announced Tuesday due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Wholesaler Frontier Co-op voluntarily recalled Organic Hojicha Tea and WCD Kitchen, LLC voluntarily recalled Trader Joe’s Kale and Edamame Salad due to the possible contamination.
The recalled Organic Hojicha Tea packages were sold across the country between December 13, 2014 – April 21, 2016 (although no illnesses have been associated with the products to date). The complete list of potentially contaminated products can be found on the FDA website—the four-digit code will follow the number ‘2920’ on the label, directly above the UPC.
Photo: Organic Hojicha Tea Label. Source: FDA
WCD Kitchen initiated the voluntary recall after Pearson Foods Corporation (their kale supplier) reported that the kale confirmed positive for Salmonella. Approximately 3,763 Kale & Edamame Salad products were sold in the Midwest at Trader Joe’s locations in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Missouri. Look for the following to help identify a potentially contaminated product:
- UPC code: 00967112
- Use By date: May 05, 2016 through May 14, 2016 (placed on front of label, see above photo for example)
- 10-ounce plastic clamshell packages
Customers are being advised to throw out the potentially contaminated products or return them for a refund.
Photo: Kale and Edamame Salad, front label. Source: FDA
For questions regarding the recalled Kale & Edamame Salad products, contact the company at 1-909-574-4140, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PST (11 a.m. and 7:30 pm ET), Monday-Friday.
For questions about the recalled Organic Hojicha Tea packages, consumers may contact Frontier Co-op at 1-800-669-3275, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST (9 a.m. and 6 pm ET), Monday-Friday.
Salmonella is an bacterium that can cause serious or life-threatening infections in children, seniors, or people with weak immune systems. Less aggressive symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and nausea. If Salmonella finds its way into the bloodstream, it can lead to endocarditis, aneurysms or arthritis.
Sources:
“World Class Distribution Issues Voluntary Recall on Kale & Edamame Salad Due to Possible Health Risk,” FDA web site, May 10, 2016; http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500286.htm.
“Frontier Co-op Initiates Voluntary Recall of Organic Hojicha Tea Due to Possible Health Risk,” FDA web site, May 10, 2016; http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500342.htm.
