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A common spice used to cook most savory dishes has been recalled from stores around the country, including North Carolina, after it was determined it poses the risk for a potential and "sometimes fatal" infection.
Michigan-based UBC Food Distributors has recalled the Baraka brand Ground Black Pepper sold in 7 oz. clear plastic containers after a routine state sample collected by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets tested positive salmonella, according to a recall notice shared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development notified the FDA of the contamination, and production has been suspended as UBC Food Distributors and the FDA investigate the cause of the problem.
The affected product, which was distributed in retail stores nationwide, has a UPC code of 8 22514 26626 6 and an expiration date of January 2026, located on the back label.
Per the FDA website, salmonella could cause "serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems." Symptoms often include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, but more severe illnesses, such as arterial infections and endocarditis, could occur in rare circumstances.
Anyone who has purchased the recalled product is encouraged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. As of June 3, no illnesses have been reported in connection to the recall.
For more information and to see photos of the product, visit the recall notice at fda.gov.