The Salmonella outbreak 2017 continues to affect North America. The population is advised to take all necessary precautions to prevent the multi-drug resistant bacteria.
With many companies recalling their products fearing Salmonella contamination, Frito-Lay is now the most recent one. Frito-Lay has recalled their Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked jalapeño-flavored potato chips and Lay’s Kettle Cooked jalapeño-flavored potato chips fearing the presence of Salmonella.
The supplier made the announcement due to the possible contamination of the jalapeño powder seasoning used in these products. However, no Salmonella was found in the seasoning supplied to Frito-Lay. Still, Frito-Lay has decided to recall the products as a precautionary measure.
Salmonella Outbreak 2017: Frito-Lay Products
As mentioned, Frito-Lay’s recalled products are the jalapeño-flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips and jalapeño-flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked potato chips with a “guaranteed fresh” date of July 4 or prior.
Frito-Lay products not affected by the recall include:
- Lay’s Kettle Cooked Multipack Sack (12 count)
- Frito-Lay Bold Mix Sack (20 count)
- Miss Vickie’s Multipack Tray (30 count)
- Lay’s Kettle Cooked Multipack Tray (30 count)
- Miss Vickie’s Multipack Box (32 count)
- Lay’s Kettle Cooked 40% Less Fat jalapeño and cheddar-flavored potato chips
The FDA has advised people who have already purchased the products to avoid consumption. Frito-Lay and the FDA are working in coordination to ensure that the recalled products are removed from the stores.
How to Prevent Salmonella Contamination
Immunization cannot prevent salmonellosis. So, it is better to take precautions beforehand. To prevent Salmonella contamination, you should avoid Salmonella food sources like raw or undercooked poultry or meat, and unpasteurized milk.
Be careful before consuming products made from raw eggs. Some of these products include homemade Hollandaise sauce, tiramisu, salad dressings, homemade ice cream, mayonnaise, cookie dough, and so on.
Wash hands, utensils, kitchen surfaces, cutting boards, and knives if they come in contact with raw meat. Keep raw and undercooked food away from ready-to-eat meals.
Wash hands after contact with pets, birds, and their feces. Reptiles are very likely to have Salmonella. So, be sure to keep children away from all reptiles including turtles. Salmonella is also present in the intestines of chicks and ducklings and children shouldn’t be allowed to touch them.
People already infected with the bacteria should stay away from others and avoid cooking. Educating food industry workers in food safety measures will also help avoid contamination and prevent the spread of Salmonella.
Related:
Sources:
“Quick Tips for Preventing Salmonella,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 9, 2015; https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/prevention.html, last accessed April 25, 2017.
Gray, B., “Frito-Lay recalls various potato chip products,” Whas11, April 24, 2017; http://www.whas11.com/news/nation/frito-lay-recalls-various-potato-chip-products/433603919.
