Cumin Sold in 16 States Recalled Over Possible Salmonella, FDA Warns

The FDA is warning consumers about a new cumin recall.

Your spice cabinet could be compromised. On April 20, the FDA announced that Lipari Foods is issuing a voluntary recall for its Lipari Branded Ground Cumin Tubs. The recall affects just one specific lot of the product that was manufacturered by International Food, but its reach is still rather large. According to the agency's alert, this recalled lot of ground cumin tubs was distributed to retail stores throughout 16 different states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The affected spice is potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

Lipari Foods has issued a recall on this ground cumin product due to a "possible health risk," according to the FDA. As the agency explained in its alert, the lot could be contaminated with Salmonella. A sample of the spice collected by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services tested positive for the bacteria, prompting the FDA and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to alert Lipari Foods that its Ground Cumin Tubs manufactured by International Food are "potentially adulterated with Salmonella."

"We are working closely with the FDA to ensure that all affected product has been pulled from commerce," the company stated in the alert.

Consuming this bacteria could be fatal for certain people.

Salmonella is not something to take lightly. According to the FDA, consuming food that has been contaminated with this bacteria can cause a gastrointestinal illness called salmonellosis—which could be deadly for certain people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the U.S. every year, resulting in roughly 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.

Salmonellosis symptoms typically develop 12 to 72 hours after the initial infection and mild cases last for around four to seven days. "Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain," the FDA said. But this bacteria can be more of a risk for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, as they are more likely to develop severe salmonellosis infections.

With a severe case, you may develop a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, and blood in the urine or stool. And in some cases, severe salmonellosis could become fatal. "Due to the range in severity of illness, people should consult their healthcare provider if they suspect that they have developed symptoms that resemble a Salmonella infection," the FDA warns.

You should return any recalled products.

There have been no illnesses reported in connection with the Lipari Branded Ground Cumin Tubs yet, according to the FDA's alert. But both the agency and the company are still warning against using any of the affected spice due to the potential health consequences. "Consumers who have purchased this recalled product should not consume it," the alert explained. "They should return it to the point of purchase."

The recalled ground cumin was distributed as a generic product with "Distributed by Lipari Foods" listed on the label. The tubs were sold in six-ounce sizes and include the lot code 220914601, the UPC 094776212620, and a best-by date of Sept. 2024.