Whole Foods and other retailers are recalling nutmeg from the cabinets of holiday bakers everywhere because the spice may contain Salmonella.
Mincing Overseas Spice Company, Frontier Natural Products Co-op is recalling ground nutmeg sold nationally, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . The nutmeg recall includes non-organic ground nutmeg, including:
16 oz. Frontier Bulk ground nutmeg with UPC 0-89836-00165-8 and Lot Code 0306 (found above UPC code)
1.92 oz. Whole Foods 365 ground nutmeg with UPC 0-99482-41931-8 and Lot Code0321 (found on bottom of bottle)
As a North Charleston foodborne illness attorney I’m glad to hear that no illnesses have been reported from the contaminated seasoning so far. While the Salmonella in the spice would get killed off through cooking it could easily cross-contaminate areas like counters.
I advise anyone who has the seasoning to throw it out or return it immediately. A Salmonella food poisoning infection is potentially life-threatening and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 7-8 hours after infection. Symptoms may be more severe in young and elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
For replacement or reimbursement, contact Frontier at 800-669-3275, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. If you purchased recalled Whole Foods ground nutmeg, contact your local store.