Consumers are advised to check the date and lot number of some Indian spice products, as the FDA has discovered certain batches may contain salmonella.
Buyers in Virginia and other states should avoid purchasing or eating Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala and Maggi Masala ae Magic spices if they meet the following criteria
- Everest Garam Masala
- Unit size: 100 grams
- Manufacture date: Jan. 2023
- Expires: March 2024
- Coded: U25D390373
- UPC: 8 901786 101009
- Everest Sambhar Masala
- Unit size: 100 grams
- Manufacture date: Jan. 2023
- Expires: March 2024
- Coded: U04D384296
- UPC: 8 901786 081004
- Maggi Masala-ae-Magic
- Unit size: 6 grams
- Code date: 20640 455AA
According to the FDA, the organization conducted a study of various samples of the above products and discovered salmonella contamination.
Specific lot numbers of the above Everest and Maggi masala products have been recalled by the FDA. From left to right: Everest Sambhar Masala, Everest Garam Masala and Maggi Masala ae Magic.
While there are no known illnesses at the time of reporting, salmonella has the potential to be fatal in certain demographics. The elderly or young children are especially vulnerable.
Consumers should keep an eye out for fever, diarrhea — possibly containing blood — nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. Rare complications include arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
All of these should occur within 12 to 72 hours of contamination, and illness is known to last between four to seven days.
“The products were manufactured in India and are not labelled for distribution in the United States,” said the FDA in its public health alert. All products left on hand were destroyed under the supervision of the FDA.
Purpose
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to purchase or eat Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala, and Maggi Masala ae Magic spices with the lot numbers referenced above because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Summary of Problem and Scope
The FDA analyzed samples of the three products, Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala, and Maggi Masala ae Magic, and the results showed the products were contaminated with Salmonella. The products were manufactured in India and are not labeled for distribution in the United States.
All three products were imported to the United States and the products were distributed to retail stores in GA, NC, OH, MD, TN, TX, MS, FL, VA, NJ, and NY starting on March 16, 2023. Amin Trading LLC initiated a recall on June 1, 2023, after test results showed the products were contaminated with Salmonella. All remaining product on hand with the recalling firm was destroyed under FDA supervision. Additional details regarding the recall can be found in the FDA’s Enforcement Report.
The FDA has contacted the manufacturer of Maggi Masala ae Magic and they are investigating the situation. The foreign manufacturer of the two products, Everest Garam Masala and Everest Sambhar Masala, has been contacted and has issued a press release.
FDA Actions
The FDA is issuing this alert to warn consumers about the potential health risks associated with these products. The FDA is continuing its efforts to ensure these products are removed from the market. Additionally, the FDA has subjected the products to “Detention Without Physical Examination Of Food Products Due To The Presence Of Salmonella”
Symptoms of Salmonella
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Most people infected with Salmonella will begin to develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness, salmonellosis, usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.
Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.
Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe salmonellosis infections.
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