A California-based company has issued a voluntary recall for more than 240 bags of dried black fungus slice due to potential salmonella contamination.
Natureen International Inc. distributed the affected products to retail stores and supermarkets in the following 11 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Newsweek contacted Natureen for comment by phone outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
Salmonella bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis in infected individuals. Symptoms typically develop 12 to 72 hours after infection, and usually last between four and seven days.
Typical symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. People experiencing more severe infections may also suffer high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, rashes and blood in their urine.
The FDA said infections can become fatal on rare occasions, with around 450 people dying each year from salmonellosis.
“In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis,” the agency said.
What To Know
The product affected by the recall is:
- Wei-Chuan Dried Black Fungus Slice – 2.5oz / bag – lot number: XJ17 – expiry date: 04/17/2026
A total of 244 bags of the product have been recalled. They were distributed to retailers in the 11 states from the Wei-Chuan Chicago branch.
As of July 8, no illnesses had been reported in connection with the consumption of the recalled product.
The recall was initiated after the California Department of Public Health notified the FDA that the product was contaminated with salmonella.
Production of the product has been suspended while the FDA and the company investigates the source of the issue.
What People Are Saying
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s guidance on salmonella says: “In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body.”
The FDA states on its website: “Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe salmonellosis infections.”
Providing advice on how to minimize the risk of food contamination, it adds: “Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards and countertops, and utensils that may have contacted contaminated foods; then sanitize them with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water; dry with a clean cloth or paper towel that has not been previously used.
“People with pets should take special care to avoid cross-contamination when preparing their pet’s food. Be sure to pick up and thoroughly wash food dishes as soon as pets are done eating, and prevent children, the elderly, and any other people with weak immune systems from handling or being exposed to the food or pets that have eaten potentially contaminated food.”
What Happens Next
The recall is ongoing, according to the FDA.
Consumers who purchased the recalled product have been advised to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
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