A significant food safety alert is in effect across the United States, as a major importer and distributor has dramatically widened a recall of frozen products over contamination with Salmonella bacteria. The recall, which affects millions of bags of food, centres on items marketed under the popular Indian cuisine brand Deep, distributed nationwide by Chetak New York LLC.
Timeline of a Growing Food Safety Crisis
The initial recall action began on July 16, but the situation escalated when the company expanded its efforts on September 9. The severity of the risk was officially confirmed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 11, when it classified the event as a Class I recall. This is the most serious classification the FDA issues, indicating "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
This expansion follows a now-closed investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into a Salmonella outbreak linked to Chetak's products. The outbreak sickened 12 people across 11 states, sending four to hospital. Fortunately, no deaths were reported. The CDC has noted that the true number of illnesses was likely higher, as many people recover without seeking medical care or testing.
What Products Are Affected and Where Were They Sold?
The recalled items include a vast array of frozen vegetables, prepared dishes, fruits, and flavour bases sold under the Deep brand. The extensive list includes products like Surti Undhiu Mix, Baby Bhindi (okra), Chikoo slices, various beans, and pre-cooked meals like Dum Aloo. Consumers are urged to check their freezers against the detailed product codes provided by the FDA.
These products were distributed to retailers nationwide. They are commonly found in many Indian specialty markets and were also stocked by major national chains including Walmart, Target, and Costco. The FDA states the recalled products should no longer be on store shelves, but may still be in home freezers.
Understanding the Salmonella Threat
Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, is a leading cause of foodborne illness in the US, responsible for over one million infections annually. Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps, usually appearing within days of exposure. While most healthy individuals recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe.
Approximately 26,500 Americans are hospitalised each year due to Salmonella, and the bacteria cause an estimated 420 deaths. The infection is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. In rare cases, the bacteria can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, leading to severe complications like meningitis or sepsis, which require urgent hospital care and intravenous antibiotics.
It is crucial to understand that freezing does not kill Salmonella bacteria. Contamination can occur at multiple points, from the raw ingredient source to processing equipment and wash water.
What should consumers do? The FDA, along with health officials, strongly advises consumers, restaurants, and retailers to immediately check their refrigerators and freezers. Any product matching the recalled items and lot codes should not be eaten, sold, or served. They must be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
