Alert on peppers and avocados with possible Salmonella contamination

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (July 22) advised the public not to eat certain batches of peppers and avocados as they might be contaminated with Salmonella.

Details of the affected products are as follows:

* Agricola Zaragoza, Inc. of McAllen, Texas's Jalapeno Peppers, distributed since June 30, 2008, and shipped in 35-lb plastic crates and in 50-lb bags with no brand name or label;

* Grande Produce, Ltd. Co of Hidalgo, Texas's Jalapeno Peppers and Serrano Peppers, distributed between May 17 and July 17, 2008, and shipped in 35-lb plastic crates with no brand name or label;

* Grande Produce, Ltd. Co of Hidalgo, Texas's avocados, all sizes and with lot number HUE08160090889, shipped in boxes labelled "Frutas Finas de Tancitaro HASS Avocados, Produce of Mexico".

According to the US authorities, the concerned companies are recalling the affected products.

"Salmonella is a pathogen that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea," a CFS spokesman said.

"The CFS has contacted the US authorities for more information. We have alerted the trade and are closely monitoring the situation.

"We also appeal to the trade to stop selling these particular products. Consumers who have purchased peppers and avocados from the USA could contact the retailers to determine if their products are involved in the recall."

Ends/Tuesday, July 22, 2008