Potential Salmonella in Toronto-Based Greens

Cilantro and parsley recalled by Boncheff Greenhouses of Toronto

/ Author:  / Reviewed by: Joseph V. Madia, MD

Boncheff Greenhouses, Inc. out of Canada has issued a voluntary recall of cilantro and parsley due to potential Salmonella bacteria, which can cause serious infections.

Boncheff Greenhouses, Inc. of Toronto, Ontario is issuing a voluntary recall on cilantro, curly parsley, and Italian parsley, 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), endocarditis and arthritis.

These herbs were distributed to various retailers in New York State and Pennsylvania. The items were sold between December 14th and December 28th, 2010.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall is related to a voluntary recall from J & D Produce Edinburg, Texas which packs under the Little Bear Brand Cilantro, Curly Parsley, and Italian Plain Parsley. This product was purchased and shipped on Dec 6, 2010 to Boncheff Greenhouses where it was repacked and distributed.

The items were sold under the following labels:

Wegmans Food Markets (sold in two stores in Erie, PA and in New York state stores except Corning, Elmira, Ithaca, and Johnson City) - Wegmans Food You Feel Good About Cilantro (UPC: 6-25647-80104), Curly Parsley (UPC: 6-25647-80110), and Italian Parsley (UPC: 6-25647-80125) sold in 0.25 ounce poly sleeves. Product may be returned to the service desk for a refund. For more information, call Wegmans Consumer Affairs at 1-800-934-6267, ext. 4760, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm or visit www.wegmans.com9.

Boncheff Brand (Italian Parsley Lot code 1002387 sold in the following five stores: Budwey Kenmore 416 Kenmore Avenue Buffalo, NY 14223, 716-362-2350; Budwey Division Street North Tonawanda, NY 14150, 716-693-2802; Wades Market 6179 Rt.96 Farmington, NY 14564, 585-924-3667; Cuba Giant Food Market 44 Park Avenue Wellsville, NY 14895, 585-968-2360; and Hegedorn’s, Inc. 964 Ridge Rd. Webster, NY 14580, 585-671-4450 Product may be returned directly to the store for refund