A California producer of carrots recently announced a voluntary recall of six retail carrot products, and certain prepared carrots sold to food manufacturers and food service distributors, due to potential Salmonella contamination. The carrots were distributed to clients from across the United States.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is frequently associated with several common foods, including produce. Most people who become infected develop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness typically lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment. For some, the condition can be severe, requiring hospitalization.

“Fortunately, in this case, the carrot producer did not know of any illnesses at the time of the recall notice,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “This is good news as some groups, including young children, the elderly, and people with a weakened immune system are at high risk if they accidentally consume Salmonella contaminated foods. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates Salmonella bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year, with food as the main source for the illnesses.”

LA Testing's laboratory network provides rapid PCR testing and traditional culturing methods so contaminated products don't reach the public. If an outbreak has already occurred, this form of testing can also be instrumental in pinpointing the source of contamination.

To learn more about foodborne pathogens or other food testing and labeling services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com , or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California's leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.

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