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Contact:
John P. Tillison
262-785-7676
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Brookfield, WI -- June 11, 2004 -- Penzeys Spices of Brookfield, WI, has decided to recall all sizes of Hungarian Sweet Paprika 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), andocarditis and arthritis.
The recalled Hungarian Sweet Paprika was distributed nationwide between January 2, 2004 and June 9, 2004 through mail orders as well as in Penzeys Spices retail stores located in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. The product comes in 1.2 oz. plastic jars, 2.5 oz. clear glass jars, and in 4 oz., 8 oz., and 16 oz. bags. The products in question are marked with the codes 47535,47551, 47548, 47580 or 47519. 6,388 jars and 2,550 bags were produced. Penzeys Spices are not distributed in retail grocery chains, only via mail order and through Penzeys Spices stores.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Penzeys Spices revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 1.2 oz. jars of Hungarian Paprika.
Production of the product has resumed as current lots have tested negative. Penzeys Spices and the FDA continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.
Consumers who have purchased Penzeys Hungarian Sweet Paprika during the times stated above can return them to the nearest Penzeys Spices store or contact the mail order division for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-741-7787.
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