Bell Peppers Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

Orange County Produce is voluntarily recalling fresh red and green bell peppers after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised that a random sample of the peppers had tested positive for Salmonella.  The recall is limited to three lots (Lot # SB 7 920, 923, 924) containing 1,208 25# cartons of peppers. They were distributed to farmer’s markets and wholesale food service in Southern California from Sept. 21-24.  The product was shipped in cases under the OC Harvest labels, but is typically sold without retail packaging associated with it. All retail suppliers who received the affected lots were notified and directed to remove and destroy any remaining product.  Consumers who may have purchased the peppers between Sept. 21 and Oct. 5 should contact the store, restaurant or farmer’s market where they bought them and ask if the product was from the affected lots. If so, the customer should discard or return any unused peppers to that store for a refund.  Orange County Produce has ceased distribution and harvest of product from the implicated field, and FDA, the California Department of Public Health and the company are continuing their investigation into the source of the contamination.  No illnesses have been reported to date.