USFDA finds Salmonella bacteria in MDH sambar masala

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has found the Salmonella bacteria in three batches of MDH's sambar masala.
The three lots with lot code 108, 47 and 48 have been manufactured by R-Pure Agro Specialities, sold by House of Spices (India) and was distributed in northern California retail stores, USFDA said in a release.

This product was tested by FDA through a certified laboratory to be positive for Salmonella, USFDA added in the release. It has now urged consumers to return the contaminated masala packets to the place of purchase for a full refund.

MDH, ubiquitous in Indian kitchens, is known for selling various spice mixes that are key to Indian cooking.

"The recall was initiated after it was discovered by the FDA that the salmonella contaminated products were distributed," the statement said. It was not immediately clear if the recall was voluntary, or what the source of the contamination was.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, the USFDA has warned.

In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness.