Orval Kent, a maker of refrigerated prepared foods, has announced that it is voluntarily recalling 23 nationally sold products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The company said the products are being recalled as a precautionary measure because they contain fresh cilantro produced and distributed by EpicVeg, Inc. of Lompoc, CA.

Also caught up in the cilantro problem is APPA Fine Foods, which recalled 7,325 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken pasta salad it makes for the Trader Joe’s retail chain.  Trader Joe’s said it was also removing cilantro salad dressing and dip — those products came from Orval Kent.

According to an Orval Kent news release, EpicVeg, Inc. issued a notice to recall one lot of its cilantro on Nov. 3, 2010 because it was potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

EpicVeg, Inc. distributed the cilantro to one of Orval Kent’s produce suppliers, Field Fresh Foods.

To date here have been no reports of illness associated with the products.

Orval Kent says its affected products total 43,814 lb. The recalled products were distributed at retail stores nationwide:

— Bistro 28 Cranberry Mango Pico de Gallo, use by Dec. 12, 2010

— CA Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad, use by dates Nov. 24, 25, 27, and Dec. 1-2, 2010

— Chef Solutions Mexican 5 Layer Dip 12 oz., use by Dec. 11, 2010

— Fish House Foods Ceviche 5 lb., use by Oct. 30 and Dec. 7, 2010

— Fish House Foods Fajita Chicken Salad Kit 1 lb., use by Jan. 28 or Feb. 4 2010

— Fish House Foods SW Fajita Bean Salad w Chk, use by Nov. 21, 2010

— Fry’s Krab Ceviche Fry 12 oz., use by Dec. 9, 2010

— Orval Kent Chipotle Chicken Pasta Kit, use by Jan. 2, 2011

— Orval Kent Cilantro Pecan Dip 8 oz., use by Dec. 1, 2010

— Trader Joe’s Cilantro Dressing 12 oz, use by Feb. 9, 2011

— Trader Joe’s Cilantro Pecan Dip 7 oz, use by Nov. 20, 2010 

  (West Coast Stores Only) use by Nov. 24, 2010

— Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette 12 oz., use by Jan. 9, 2011

For  UPC information on the products, see the FDA website.

Consumers who have recently purchased the items listed below should not consume this product and should return it to the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

Consumers with questions may contact Orval Kent at 800-544-1246 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard time.  The recall coordinator is Bill Schwartz, email address william.schwartz@orvalkent.com.