Natural Grocers Coconut Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

The Lakewood, Colorado-based company distributed the affected coconut products to 145 stores in 19 states, according to an FDA recall notice issued on Monday.

“The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in some packages,” the recall notice said. “The recall was initiated after it was discovered that a sample taken by the Food and Drug Administration was positive for Salmonella.”

The recall affects Black Kassel Piller’s Dry Aged D’Amour Salami and Dry Aged Speck Smoked Prosciutto that have a best by date of May 12, 2018; products were manufactured between Sept. 22 and Oct. 12, 2017, FSIS. Natural Growers has suspended production of Coconut Smiles while the FDA continues its investigation into the source of the contamination.

Recalled Coconut Smiles were distributed to the following states:
Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

The agency has designated this as a Class I recall, which is a “situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.” Affected Coconut Smiles can be identified by the following label information:

Products were sold in clear plastic bags weighing 10 ounces;

• The “Natural Grocers” brand is on the label;
• All packages with packed-on dates prior to 18-075 are subject to recall. The packed-on date can be found in the bottom left-hand corner of the label;
• UPC number 8034810.

Salmonellosis can cause serious illness in anyone; however, children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of infection. Signs and symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Fever
• Headache

If you purchased any Natural Grocers Coconut Smiles affected by the recall, you should not consume it and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Source: Miami Herald

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