Smiling Hara Unpasteurized Soybean Tempeh Recall
| Date: | April 30, 2012 |
| Updated: | May 1, 2012 |
| What: | Smiling Hara unpasteurized soybean tempeh |
| Why: | Salmonella contamination |
| Scope: | North Carolina |
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that Smiling Hara of Asheville, North Carolina is recalling 12 ounce packages of unpasteurized soybean tempeh because of possible contamination with Salmonella.
Smiling Hara is recalling unpasteurized soybean tempeh manufactured this year between Jan. 11 and April 11. The containers are marked with a best-by date of 7/11/12 through 10/25/12. Tempeh is used as a meat substitute in vegetarian cuisine.
"Anyone with this product in their possession should not eat it," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "Smiling Hara launched the recall after samples collected by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services during a routine inspection tested positive for Salmonella."
Additional tests will be conducted by the N.C. Division of Public Health to determine whether the Salmonella detected in the tempeh matches the strain found in an outbreak that has sickened 37 people. Cases appear to have been associated with residence or travel to Buncombe County since Feb. 28.
On May 1, 2012 the Buncombe County Department of Health reported: "Confirmatory lab results are expected later this week that should confirm whether the tempeh is a match to the type of Salmonella associated with the current outbreak. At this time we cannot assure people that if they stay away from the tempeh that they won’t get sick. Health officials appreciate the precautionary measures taken by Smiling Hara, who recalled their tempeh product while awaiting confirmation that the tempeh is directly linked to this outbreak."
Symptoms commonly associated with this infection may include, but are not limited to, diarrhea that may be bloody, fever, headache and abdominal pain usually one to 10 days after exposure. The illness caused by Salmonella infection usually lasts four to seven days, but may last longer. In some cases, people may need to be hospitalized. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.
Smiling Hara is directing consumers to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers wanting more information can contact Smiling Hara at (828) 242-1300.
Consumers with questions about food safety can Ask Heidi, a certified food safety professional.
Advertisement
