McCormick Recall 2021: Seasonings Recalled Over Salmonella Concerns

Maryland-based McCormick has issued a voluntary recall of several seasoning products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall affects products under the McCormick and Frank's brand names.

The company learned of the "potential risk" when it was alerted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following routine testing, the company announcement posted on the FDA website noted.

It affects McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning in 1.31-oz and the bigger 2.25-oz bottles, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning in 1.75-lbs. bottle and Frank's RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning in 153g bottle. They were shipped between June 20 and July 21 to 32 U.S. states including Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, Colorado and New York. Internationally, they were also shipped to Bermuda, Canada.

The affected UPC Numbers, Item Numbers and date codes are available on the FDA website, while images of the affected products are also provided in the company news release.

No illnesses related to the recall have been reported as of the announcement, but the company has alerted customers and grocery outlets to remove the affected product from the shelves and to destroy them "in a manner that would prevent any further consumption."

"Consumers do not need to return the product to the store where it was purchased," the company said. "Instead, consumers are urged to dispose of the recalled product and its container."

They can also contact the company if they have questions or to get a replacement or refund.

Salmonella Infections in U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the U.S. each year, with food being the most common source of illness.

People can get infected with Salmonella through various means, such as when they eat contaminated food or drink contaminated water. They can also get sick from touching infected animals or their environment.

Although most people who get diarrhea caused by Salmonella can recover completely, some may have their bowel movements "not return to normal for a few months." Some may also develop reactive arthritis or pain in their joints, and it may persist even after the infection has passed.

According to the CDC, reactive arthritis can be difficult to treat and may even last for months to years.

Among the important tips to prevent Salmonella infections at home is to follow the basic food safety steps -- Clean, separate, cook and chill.