Salmonella Find Prompts Green Onion Recall

By Growing Produce Staff|August 31, 2009

As a result of routine testing, the USDA has found a positive result for salmonella on iceless green onions shipped by Steinbeck Country Produce of Salinas, CA. The onions were farmed and packed by a grower in Mexicali, Mexico, near the California border.

As of Friday, when the company issued a press release, no illnesses associated with the consumption of this product have been reported. To demonstrate extreme caution, Steinbeck Country Produce stated that it is voluntarily recalling product with lot code numbers 96CPGO07 or 9CPO937 shipped between August 4 and August 22.

“This recall is voluntary, based on a strong sense of caution for consumer well-being. Food safety is our primary concern at Steinbeck Country Produce, and this recall shows that our procedures are efficient, effective and immediate,” said Chris Huntington, Steinbeck Country Produce CEO. “Fortunately, there are not any reported illnesses at this time, and we will continue to respond quickly and efficient to ensure consumer well being.”

Vendors who received the product were immediately identified and notified on Thursday, August 27 and were instructed to destroy any product remaining in inventory.

The recall is limited to 3,360 cartons of 4 count/2 pound, 2 count/24 bunch and 4 count/12 bunch bags of iceless green onions packed under the “Nature’s Reward” label with lot code 9CPO937, and a private foodservice label with lot code 96CPGO07. The produce was distributed California, Massachusetts, Texas, Indiana, New York, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas and Arizona.