HHS NEWS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
 
 
P98-7                          FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          Lawrence Bachorik:  301-827-6250
February 20, 1998              
                               Consumer Hotline:   800-532-4440

BASHA INTERNATIONAL TABOULE SALAD RECALLED BECAUSE OF SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION

The Food and Drug Administration today announced that Basha International Foods, Inc., of Hamtramck, Mich., is recalling one lot of its Taboule Salad because the product has 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. The firm is also asking consumers to return all lots of its Taboule Salad to the place of purchase as a precautionary measure.

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.

The firm has stated that its taboule salad is distributed in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

FDA testing of the firm's product revealed the presence of Salmonella arizona in seven-ounce, clear plastic tubs labeled "Basha Foods Taboule Salad" on the lid and the code "2 25" on the bottom.

Although Salmonella was found only in one lot of its seven-ounce containers of taboule salad, as a precautionary measure the company is removing from the market all lots and sizes of taboule salad.

Last summer, Michigan's Department of Agriculture inspected Basha International's manufacturing plant. During that inspection the state officials found evidence that some of the firm's products were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, another organism that can cause dangerous and sometimes fatal infections.

The FDA has been working closely with Michigan's Department of Agriculture on this case.

Consumers who have any Basha Foods Taboule Salad should not eat this product but should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 313-871-8872.

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