Unexpected Contamination Alert For Popular Mediterranean Party Trays

"Recall" stamp over blurred grocery store shelves.

A potential health risk has resulted in the recall of a “Mediterranean-inspired party tray,” impacting seven states due to salmonella contamination in the tzatziki sauce.

At a Glance

The FDA announces the recall of products over salmonella risks.
Tzatziki sauce identified as the contaminated component in the party tray.
The recall affects various states and involves multiple producers.
Symptoms of salmonellosis are particularly severe for the vulnerable.

Health Risk Alert

The FDA has issued a health alert for the “Mediterranean Inspired Party Tray,” prompting a recall due to salmonella contamination linked to the tzatziki sauce. The recall involves trays sold in seven states, primarily in supermarkets like Ralph’s and Smith’s. Consumers are advised to discard these products and clean any surfaces that may have been exposed. The recall is part of a broader salmonella outbreak associated with Sunfed Produce cucumbers.

Federal officials report 68 individuals affected across 19 states, with 18 requiring hospitalization. Health authorities, including the FDA and CDC, are currently conducting investigations to pinpoint further food items that might be vulnerable to salmonella contamination. These efforts aim to contain the outbreak and protect public health.

🚨F&S Fresh Foods, Riverside, CA is recalling Mediterranean Inspired Party Tray 22 oz. The recall was initiated after F&S Fresh Foods was notified that Grecian Delight Tzatziki sauce supplied to F&S Fresh Foods may be contaminated with Salmonella because it contains cucumbers…

— Jeff Kalinowski (@JeffKalino) December 7, 2024

Sources and Recalled Products

Hardie’s Fresh Foods, among others, has recalled products distributed widely, including whole cucumbers distributed by SunFed. The recall extends to vegetable trays, salsas, and salads sold across major retailers like Kroger and Walmart. These products were distributed in states from California to New York. F&S Fresh Foods specifically identified the “Grecian Delight Tzatziki sauce” as a contaminated ingredient.

This recall comes as part of ongoing scrutiny into cucumbers imported from Mexico, linked to the broader outbreak. The recalls affect major retailers, with precautions set to avoid further contamination, especially in households with vulnerable individuals.

F&S Fresh Foods Recalls Mediterranean Inspired Party Tray Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination https://t.co/kVsk1GKE9f pic.twitter.com/PavEwq2BI4

— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) December 7, 2024

Consumer Guidance and Health Implications

Consumers are urged to avoid the recalled items, identifiable by “SunFed Mexico” stickers or specific sell-by dates and codes. Salmonella, a notorious cause of food poisoning, has symptoms such as cramps and fever. As the FDA mentions, it “can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”

Authorities continue monitoring and are prepared to enact further recalls if needed. Concerned customers can contact F&S Fresh Foods during business hours for further information. This ongoing issue highlights the need for vigilance in food safety, emphasizing the risk to vulnerable demographic groups.