The Kane County Health Department is advising that Mountain Rose Herbs of Eugene, OR, is recalling all sizes ranging from 4 ounce to 50 pounds of its Fennel Seed Whole, Lot #25031, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recalled Fennel Seed Whole was sold directly to customers who ordered from mountainroseherbs.com, purchased at the company’s retail shop in Eugene or placed mail orders by phone or fax. The affected product was also distributed to vitamin and health food stores in 24 states, including Illinois. It is possible MRH customers also resold the Fennel Seed Whole to their own clientele.

The product comes in a clear plastic or poly-woven bag marked with lot # 25031, which is located on the principal display panel on the lower left of the label. Product has been sold and distributed between April 2019 and up to July 18, 2019.

The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in a portion of its active inventory. Production of the product has been suspended while MRH continues its investigation.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Consumers who have purchased MRH affected Fennel Seed Whole are urged not to consume and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Mountain Rose Herbs at 1-800-879-3337

For more information, see https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mountain-rose-herbs-recalls-fennel-seed-whole-because-possible-health-risk

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department news release