National

Organic berries recalled in 20 states. The berries might have salmonella

Natural Grocers’ store brand Organic Whole Elder Berries in 4-ounce bags sold at stores in 20 states has been recalled after a supplier told the chain the berries might have salmonella.

The FDA-posted recall notice, written by Natural Grocers’ parent company Vitamin Cottage Natural Foods, said:

“After initially certifying that this product had tested negative for salmonella and was fit for human consumption, our supplier subsequently notified the company of the potential presence of salmonella in specific lots of organic elder berries.”

Salmonella hits about 1.35 million Americans each year, hospitalizing 26,500 with bloody diarrhea and killing around 420 people, according to the CDC. Usually, it brings four to seven days of diarrhea, stomach aches and fever.

The lots involved have packed on dates 20-216, 20-225, 20-246, 20-265 or 20-281. They went to Natural Grocers stores Missouri, Texas, Washington, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.

The label for recalled Natural Grocers Elder Berries
The label for recalled Natural Grocers Elder Berries FDA

Customers should toss the elder berries out or return them to the store for a refund.

Those with questions can call 303-986-4600, ext. 80801, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eastern time.

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This story was originally published November 3, 2020 at 10:13 AM with the headline "Organic berries recalled in 20 states. The berries might have salmonella."

David J. Neal
Miami Herald
Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has expanded to include writing about Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old school animation, food safety, fraud, naughty lawyers, bad doctors and all manner of breaking news. He drinks coladas whole. He does not work Indianapolis 500 Race Day.
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