In July 2019, Mountain Rose Herbs (MRH), a well-established Eugene, Oregon-based herbal product manufacturer, issued a voluntary recall of its Whole fennel seed, Lot #25031, due to potential contamination with Salmonella. This recall is an important reminder of the significance of food safety and the necessity of being vigilant in tracking the health hazards of contaminated food products.
Understanding the Recall
The recall involved all fennel seed sizes of the contaminated fennel seed from 4-ounce to 50-pound bags. The contaminated fennel seed had been distributed by a number of channels, including direct online sales from the MRH website, its storefront in Eugene, mail order sales, and wholesale distribution to health food and vitamin stores in 24 U.S. states, as well as one recipient in Canada. The affected fennel seed lot—Lot #25031—was available for purchase between April 2019 and July 18, 2019. Consumers can identify the lot number on the main display panel located on the lower left-hand corner of the product label.
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Health Hazards of Salmonella
Salmonella is a form of bacteria that is known to result in severe foodborne disease. Infection can be particularly life-threatening to young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. For people in good health, symptoms of Salmonella due to contaminated fennel seed include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, leading to more critical conditions such as endocarditis or arterial infections. The inclusion of it in many health and culinary products makes the contamination a matter of particular concern.
Company Response and Consumer Safety
Upon discovering the potential contamination through internal testing, MRH halted production and initiated a recall in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consumers who had purchased the affected fennel seed were strongly advised not to consume the product. Rather, they were required to go to the store in which they originally bought the recalled seed of fennel in order to get a refund in full. For further information or support, customers can contact Mountain Rose Herbs directly at 1-800-879-3337.
The proactive recall of this fennel seed shipment illustrates the value of openness and rapid action in safeguarding public health. It also illustrates the essential importance of consumers being vigilant and informed about food safety notices—particularly when buying bulk herbs or natural foods like fennel seed.
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Higher Implications and Food Safety Trends
The fennel seed recall is one of an increasing list of food recalls for potentially fatal pathogens. In 2024 alone, there were 154 food recalls due to such bacteria as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria–representing the highest five-year number ever. As fennel seed and other herbal products continue to become more popular both for culinary use and medicinal benefits, it’s more important than ever that such products are safe.
Consumers who use fennel seed in teas, spice blends, or wellness remedies should be aware of the risks associated with untested or improperly handled ingredients. While fennel seed is widely recognized for its digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits, its safety and purity must be guaranteed through reliable sourcing and rigorous quality control.
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Exim Internationals is a premier export company dedicated to delivering the finest products from India to international markets. Our mission is to establish India as a global export powerhouse, contributing to economic growth and showcasing the richness of Indian goods worldwide.
From the pashmina shawls and apples of the North to the spices of the South, the fruits and powders of the West, and the tea and bamboo of the East, we connect every corner of India with the global market.
Certification we have: FSSAI, APEDA, IEC, UDYAM, FIEO, Spices Board, Coconut
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