FDA said the recall was initiated after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture tested a sample of the grape tomatoes at a Minnesota distributor, but the agency did not immediately respond to questions about whether the test was pulled under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Microbiological Data Program.
MDP, which does about 80 percent of public produce testing for pathogens, was slated to be cut from the USDA's budget this year but, after considerable media attention, the program was granted a reprieve through the end of the year. MDP testing also recently sparked a large cantaloupe recall after finding Listeria monocytogenes -- nearly a year after the same bacteria contaminated Colorado cantaloupes and caused the deadliest foodborne illness outbreak in decades.
The recalled grape tomatoes were packaged in square-shaped clear plastic clamshell containers labeled as Menno Beachy Certified Organic Grape Tomato, UPC number 044419310176, with a net weight of one pint. The company said there are no lot numbers or expiration dates on the clamshell label. The clamshell packages are distributed in cases printed with lot numbers MB725GT3, MB725GT8 and MB725GT0.
The sample that tested positive for Salmonella was from lot MB725GT0. In their press release, Menno Beachy said they are investigating the source of the contamination.
According to FDA, no illnesses have been associated with the product.
Consumers who have the recalled product should either discard it or return it for a refund. Anyone concerned they may have a foodborne illness should contact their healthcare provider.
