A produce company out of Los Angeles recently announced a voluntary recall of organic zucchini due to potential Salmonella contamination. The imported zucchini were distributed to select retail stores in 18 states across the country. The recall was initiated because a single lot of the zucchini tested positive for Salmonella as a result of routine FDA sampling.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that has been frequently associated with a number of 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 from 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment. For some, the condition can be severe, requiring hospitalization.

“There are groups of people that are at high risk if they accidently consume Salmonella contaminated foods, including young children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing's Huntington Beach facility. “Tragically, 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, with laboratories in California, works to protect consumers, food manufacturers, importers and distributors from the hazards and high costs associated with foodborne pathogens. Their laboratory network provides rapid PCR testing and traditional culturing methods to identify a wide range of microbial pathogens. If an outbreak of foodborne illness has already occurred, these tests can also be instrumental in pinpointing the source of any 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 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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