Orange County Produce of California is recalling red and green bell peppers for possible Salmonella contamination. A random sample of the product tested positive for the pathogenic bacteria.
The recall is of three lots (Lot # SB 7 920, 923, 924) of 1,208 25-pound cartons of peppers, or 30,200 pounds. The cause of contamination is unknown. The peppers were distributed to farmer’s markets and wholesale food service within Southern California between September 21 and September 24, 2013. The product was shipped under the OC Harvest label. All retail suppliers that received this product have been notified and were directed to remove and destroy remaining product in inventory.
Consumers may still have these peppers in their homes. If you purchased or ate red or green bell peppers in Southern California between the dates of September 21 and October 5, 2013, contact the store, restaurant, or farmer’s market and ask if the affected product was sold by that vendor. If so, discard the peppers or return to the vendor for a refund. No illnesses have been reported to date.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea that may be bloody, fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. Symptoms usually appear within six to seventy-two hours after exposure to the bacteria and last about two to seven days.
