Popular Kitchen Spice Recalled for Salmonella Risk

McCormick & Co. McCormick & Co., one of the best known names in the spice business, is recalling a batch of ground oregano because it might be contaminated with salmonella, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday. The recall involves small containers (0.75 ounce size) of McCormick ground oregano with a UPC code on the label of 0-523561-6 and was "Best By" dates of Aug. 21, 2016 and Aug. 22, 2016. They appear on the labels with this code: "BEST BY AUG 21 16 H" and "BEST BY AUG 22 16 H." McCormick (MKC) said the recall is limited to those specific containers, which were shipped in 1,032 cases to 41 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and several countries. The oregano was shipped between April 4 and Aug. 5. Salmonella bacteria can make anyone sick, but the illness is particularly dangerous to young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. And even a healthy person who gets infected with the organism is likely to have a fever and suffer abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The FDA said it has not received any reports of consumers getting sick from the oregano. The contamination was discovered by the FDA during routine testing. McCormick said grocery stores have been notified to remove the products from their shelves and distribution centers and destroy them. If you have the recalled oregano, you're urged to get rid of it and the container, and contact McCormick at 1-800-632-5847, weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time to get a replacement, a refund or ask any questions. You don't need to return it to the store where you purchased it.