Safeway Recalls Green Onions
PLEASANTON, Calif. - Safeway has launched a voluntary recall of green onions that may be contaminated with salmonella. The recalled green onions, also known as scallions, were sold from Aug. 3 through Aug. 7 at Safeway and Pak 'n Save stores in Northern California and Western Nevada.
The salmonella was detected through routine testing at the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Center for Analytical Chemistry. The work is done under contract with the USDA's microbiological data program.
The routine tests include numerous steps, with each step involving a more selective and specific process eliminating potential false identification, Steve Lyle, CDFA dir. of public affairs, told Progressive Grocer. The tests do not confirm the species of an organism, however, said Lyle. "Our finding is still only considered as presumptive positive. The final confirmation is done by serology and PFGE (Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis)."
Safeway and Safeway-owned Pak 'n Save will provide a full refund to customers who return this product or have proof that they purchased this product at the store on the dates mentioned above.
"Safeway's first concern is the health and safety of our customers," said Frank Calfas, president, Safeway Northern California Division. "Though there are no reported cases of any illnesses, this voluntary recall is being done solely out of an abundance of caution."
For general information about salmonella and other foodborne illness, retailers can direct their consumers to the following Web sites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/food/ and www.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/intro.html.
The salmonella was detected through routine testing at the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Center for Analytical Chemistry. The work is done under contract with the USDA's microbiological data program.
The routine tests include numerous steps, with each step involving a more selective and specific process eliminating potential false identification, Steve Lyle, CDFA dir. of public affairs, told Progressive Grocer. The tests do not confirm the species of an organism, however, said Lyle. "Our finding is still only considered as presumptive positive. The final confirmation is done by serology and PFGE (Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis)."
Safeway and Safeway-owned Pak 'n Save will provide a full refund to customers who return this product or have proof that they purchased this product at the store on the dates mentioned above.
"Safeway's first concern is the health and safety of our customers," said Frank Calfas, president, Safeway Northern California Division. "Though there are no reported cases of any illnesses, this voluntary recall is being done solely out of an abundance of caution."
For general information about salmonella and other foodborne illness, retailers can direct their consumers to the following Web sites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/food/ and www.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/intro.html.