Trader Joe’s recalls cilantro products after possible salmonella contamination
By Nicholas Greitzer
Nov. 8, 2010 2:24 a.m.
Correction: The original headline online contained an error. The store is called “Trader Joe’s.”
Following a possible salmonella contamination of cilantro, Trader Joe’s market chain has recalled four products containing the infected ingredient.
The market took Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette, Cilantro Dressing, Cilantro Pecan Dip and Spicy Thai Pasta Salad off the shelves if they were produced from Oct. 25 to 29 in Corona, a city 60 miles southeast of UCLA, as some of these products can lead to foodborne illness.
Managers at the Westwood location declined to comment on the matter, but they provided a corporate statement written from Trader Joe’s local headquarters.
“As a precaution, all of these products have been removed from sale and destroyed,” according to the statement. “If you purchased any of these products with the specified code dates, please do not eat them.”
The recall and potential for illness, however, does not appear to be deterring students from shopping at the market chain.
“I would still eat there,” said fourth-year microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics student Sahil Shah, who said he typically buys the Southwestern salad when he shops at Trader Joe’s. “I’m not that worried at all, even if the Southwestern salad was recalled.”
Second-year psychology student Sydney Shiroyama echoed Shah’s willingness to shop at Trader Joe’s. Although Shiroyama does not frequent the market, she said the recall would not make her any less willing to start.
“I would still go there. I might not get the salad, though,” Shiroyama said.
Possible symptoms of salmonella poisoning include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. While the symptoms last between four and seven days and people can typically recover without treatment, some cases of diarrhea can lead to dehydration and require further medical attention, according the Mayo Clinic website.
Shoppers who have purchased contaminated products can return them for a full refund, according to the Trader Joe’s statement.
