Smiling Hara Tempeh Linked to Salmonella Paratyphi B Outbreak
At least 87 people from 4 states, including 64 in the Asheville, North Carolina area, have become ill with with Salmonella Paratyphi B infections since February 28, 2012. At least 8 people have been hospitalized with Salmonella Paratyphi B infections since the outbreak began.
On May 9, 2012, public health officials announced that starter culture used in Smiling Hara tempeh products was the source of the Salmonella Paratyphi B contamination within the Smiling Hara facility. The starter culture was distributed by Tempeh Online (also known as Indonesianfoodmart.com), a Rockville, Maryland, company.
Tempeh Recalled for Salmonella Contamination Sold at Over 30 Stores and Restaurants
Smiling Hara Tempeh, which makes black bean, black eyed pea, and soy versions of tempeh, pulled the its tempeh products from store shelves after tests came back positive for Salmonella contamination. The company is warning customers not to eat tempeh with best by dates of July 11 through October 25, 2012.
The tempeh was widely distributed to more than 30 stores and restaurants in North Carolina, including Earth Fare supermarket and the Laughing Seed restaurant.
On May 23, Indonesianfoodmart.com announced a recall of Tempeh Starter Yeast and Super Starter Yeast. The product was imported from Indonesia. It comes in sealed, clear, plastic packages marked with a small computer-printed label. The sizes sold are 30gm, 50gm, 250gm, and 1,000gm
Salmonella Paratyphi B Symptoms and Risks
Salmonella serotype Paratyphi generally causes a bacteremic illness—Salmonella found in the blood—of long duration. This illness is called paratyphoid fever. Symptoms of Salmonella Paratyphi infection start gradually, and include fever, headache, malaise, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In children, it can present as a non-specific fever. The incubation period for Salmonella Paratyphi infections, or time between exposure to the bacterium and illness, is 1 to 10 days.
Contact the Marler Clark Salmonella Attorneys
If you or a family member became ill with a Salmonella infection after consuming contaminated food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, you can contact the Marler Clark Salmonella attorneys for a free case evaluation. Marler Clark is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Salmonella outbreaks and other foodborne illnesses. The law firm has represented thousands of victims of Salmonella and other foodborne illness infections, and is the only firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. You can fill out the contact form or call toll-free at 866-770-2032. There is no cost to you.