A rare strain of Salmonella was found in Evershing International frozen coconut by the Massachusetts Department of Health and led to a nationwide recall. Officials were investigating a single case of Salmonella food poisoning.
Testing performed by Massachusetts found the pathogenic bacteria in Evershing International Trading Company Coconut Tree Brand Frozen Shredded Cococnut. The product was packaged in 16 ounce plastic bags and has item number 331223 with UPC number 05216-44081. It was distributed in Ohio, Massachusetts, Washington, California, Oklahoma, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Florida, and Texas. All of those products sold between January 3, 2017 and January 3, 2018 were recalled last week.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Gharel said in a statement, “This case demonstrates how public health in Massachusetts works in a coordinated way to protect the food supply and enable consumers to eat at restaurants with confidence. The fact that we have detected this strain of Salmonella that caught the attention of the US government is a testament to the work of our dedicated staff, whom I applaud.”
We don’t know how many people were sickened. The press release initially said they were investigating a single case of food poisoning, but later states, “As part of the investigation, staff from DPH and Boston Inspectional Services collected samples of various food products used as ingredients from a Boston restaurant and interviewed people who fell ill.”
The symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include abdominal and stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and nausea. Most people get sick 12 to 72 hours after exposure to this bacteria and most people are sick for a few days to a week.
If you have been experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor. Salmonellosis can have serious long term health consequences, including reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and high blood pressure.
