Salmonella Contamination in Peppers

World Variety Produce, Inc. Recalls Serrano Peppers
Because of Possible Health Risk


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 18, 2011 - WorldVariety Produce, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA is recalling Serrano Peppers, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. 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.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The affected Serrano Peppers were isolated to 300 cases from Lot # 69073901, product of Mexico.

This recall extends only to Walmart stores in Wisconsin, Montana, Utah and Wyoming; in addition to Jewel-Osco stores in Illinois. The affected Serrano peppers were sold from bulk displays between the dates of March 1, 2011 through March 18, 2011.