Fresh cilantro recall by NewStar proves unnecessary
Fresh cilantro recall by NewStar proves unnecessary
SALINAS, CA -- NewStar Fresh Foods has been notified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture that a test result previously thought to be positive for Salmonella in a sample of fresh cilantro was found July 31 not to be a likely indicator of the presence of the pathogen, rendering unnecessary the national recall conducted July 30 by NewStar.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration immediately notified its California regional office, the California state Department of Health & Human Services and the Canadian Food Safety Agency.
Although official confirmation will not be received until next week (Aug. 4), Jerry Wojtala, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture's Food & Dairy Division, said that the agency learned of the situation earlier in the afternoon of July 31, and immediately notified federal regulatory officials as well as NewStar.
NewStar President Mark Drever said that the faulty test result was an unfortunate mistake and stressed that all parties involved have the safety and well-being of consumers as their first and foremost priority.
"We will work closely with all regulatory agencies involved to improve testing protocols and to ensure that the lines of communication remain open in order to continue to protect the public health," he said in a July 31 press release.
Mr. Drever also thanked NewStar employees, customers and suppliers for their fast action and thorough response in conducting the recall.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration immediately notified its California regional office, the California state Department of Health & Human Services and the Canadian Food Safety Agency.
Although official confirmation will not be received until next week (Aug. 4), Jerry Wojtala, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture's Food & Dairy Division, said that the agency learned of the situation earlier in the afternoon of July 31, and immediately notified federal regulatory officials as well as NewStar.
NewStar President Mark Drever said that the faulty test result was an unfortunate mistake and stressed that all parties involved have the safety and well-being of consumers as their first and foremost priority.
"We will work closely with all regulatory agencies involved to improve testing protocols and to ensure that the lines of communication remain open in order to continue to protect the public health," he said in a July 31 press release.
Mr. Drever also thanked NewStar employees, customers and suppliers for their fast action and thorough response in conducting the recall.
