McCormick Recalls Seasoning Blends Due to Risk of Salmonella

“We are actively investigating the source of the salmonella with intensive focus and speed,” Lori Amos Robinson, McCormick spokesperson, told CR. “We have extensive quality protocols in place and believe this was an isolated incident that we are taking very seriously.” 

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The illness typically lasts four to seven days and usually resolves without treatment. However, in young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems, being infected with salmonella can lead to serious illness, and is potentially life-threatening. 

You may think that because you only use a small amount of seasoning that it can’t make you sick, but that’s not the case, says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety and testing at Consumer Reports. “It’s possible for even a tiny amount to have a high enough bacterial load to cause illness.”

Rogers advises consumers to check their spice supply for these products while the recall is top of mind. “Many people buy seasonings for a particular dish and may not remember they have it, and dried herbs, spices, and seasonings have a long shelf life,” he says. “So you don’t want to take a chance that you have a possibly contaminated product sitting in your cabinet and end up using it down the road.”

McCormick says not to return the recalled seasonings to the store for a refund or replacement. Instead, throw them away and contact the company.