The Official Portal for the State of Georgia

Some jalapeno and serrano peppers and avocados are being recalled for potential Salmonella contamination

Monday, July 21, 2008 


Grande Produce, LTD Company, Hidalgo, TX, is recalling its jalapeno and serrano peppers and avocados due to the potential of Salmonella contamination, says Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin.

The produce was distributed this year between May 17 and July 17.

The recalled peppers were shipped in 35-pound plastic crates with no brand name or label.

The avocados were shipped in boxes labeled "Frutas Finas de Tancitaro HASS Avocados, Produce of Mexico," all sizes, with lot # HUE081600909889.

The produce was distributed in GA, FL, MS,  NC, TX, AR, KY, DE, OK, IA, MN, IL,  IN, MD, NY, and KS.

The products may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometime fatal infections in young children, the elderly, those who are frail and those who have weakened immune systems. 

The recall is a result of sampling by the Texas Department of State Health Services and The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which revealed that these products contained the Salmonella bacteria.

Distribution of these products has been suspended while the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the Texas Department of State Health Services, The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Grande Produce continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

According to the Texas and North Carolina Departments of Health, the strain of Salmonella found in this company's jalapeno and serrano peppers and in its avocado is not Salmonella Saintpaul, and is
ot believed to be related to the current Salmonella outbreak.

Consumers who have purchased avocados, jalapeno or serrano peppers should contact their supplier about the origin of the produce.  For additional information call Grande Produce at (956) 843-8575.

                                                        ###