Between December 9, 2008, and April 29, 2009, at least 79 people became ill with Salmonella infections after consuming spices, sauces, and oils made by Union International Foods. Salmonella-contaminated products that were recalled by Union International Foods included spices distributed under the brand names Lian How and Uncle Chen, and by May 30, 2009, public health officials had traced Salmonella cases in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to the consumption of the recalled products.
Numerous dry spices, including Cumin powder, Cloves, Crushed Chili powder, Dried Cloves Powder, Orange Peel Powder, Coriander Powder, Black Sesame Seed, Coriander, Pepper Corn Powder, Fennel Seed, White Sesame Seed, Fennel Seed Powder, Turmeric, Cinnamon Powder, Ginger Powder, Garlic Salt, Meat Tenderizer, Black Pepper Salt, Bay Leaves, Five Spices powder, Nutmeg, and Star Anise powder were all recalled for Salmonella contamination in the original recall. Since that time, the recalled product lit for potential Salmonella contamination has grown to include more than 50 sauces and oils made by the company and White Pepper.
On March 1, 2010 Marler Clark filed a lawsuit against U. F. Union International Food, on behalf of the family of a San Leandro woman who died from a Salmonella infection contracted from tainted pepper.
For more information on Salmonella, visit www.about-salmonella.com and www.salmonellablog.com.