The Audience:
US customers who recently bought the following spices from retail establishments in GA, NC, OH, MD, TN, TX, MS, FL, VA, NJ, NY, and PA:
• Everest Garam Masala, 100 g, U25D390373, UPC: 8 901786 101009
• Everest Sambhar Masala, 100 g, U04D384296, UPC: 8 901786 081004
• 6 gramme Maggi Masala ae Magic, 20640 455AA
Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala, and Maggi Masala are Magic products distributed by Amin Trading Agency LLC, Edison, NJ, with the lot numbers listed above.
Amin Trading Agency LLC purchased these spices in retail stores in India, unlabelled for distribution in the United States, and then imported and distributed them in the United States.
The Purpose
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to buy or eat Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala, or Maggi Masala ae Magic spices with the above lot numbers because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Summary of the Issue and its Range
Salmonella contamination was discovered after the FDA tested samples of the three products, Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala, and Maggi Masala ae Magic. The products are not marked for distribution in the United States and were made in India.
All three items were brought into the country, and on March 16, 2023, they began to be sold at retail establishments in GA, NC, OH, MD, TX, MS, FL, VA, NJ, and NY. On June 1, 2023, Amin Trading LLC issued a recall after tests revealed the items were tainted with salmonella. Under FDA oversight, the recalling company destroyed all of its remaining inventory. The FDA’s Enforcement Report has more information on the recall.
The Maggi Masala ae Magic maker has been notified by the FDA, WHO is looking into the matter. Everest Sambhar Masala and Everest Garam Masala’s overseas producer has been contacted and a press release has been sent.
FDA Actions
This advisory has been sent by the FDA to inform customers of any potential health hazards related to these items. The FDA is still making an attempt to get these products off the market. Additionally, under Import Alert #99-19, the FDA has placed the items under “Detention Without Physical Examination Of Food Products Due To The Presence Of Salmonella”.
Salmonella symptoms
A condition known as salmonellosis, caused by the Salmonella bacterium group, can result in fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. Salmonella infections typically cause symptoms to appear 12 to 72 hours after infection. Salmonellosis typically lasts four to seven days, and the majority of patients recover on their own.
Salmonellosis often causes diarrhoea, fever, and cramping in the abdomen. Salmonellosis that is more severe can cause a high temperature, body pains, headaches, lethargy, a rash, and blood in the urine, and in extreme circumstances, it can be deadly.
Severe salmonellosis infections are more common in young children under the age of five, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems.