A Major Condiment “Distributed Nationwide in Retail Stores” Has Been Recalled

When you think of a food recall, you probably think of items like meat and fresh produce as items at risk for contamination. But this week, a recall has been issued for a pantry staple that’s used almost everywhere in the world.

UBC Food Distributors based in Dearborn, MI announced on June 3 that the company is recalling ground black pepper sold under the Baraka brand because of a potential Salmonella contamination.

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The recalled product was sold in seven-ounce plastic containers with the UPC code 8 22514 26626 6 and an expiration date of January 2026 on the back label.

It appears the product is sold on Amazon, while the US Food and Drug Administration alert says, “The recalled ‘black pepper’ were distributed nationwide in retail stores.” It’s not clear which other retailers might have sold the recalled pepper. Packaging images shared by the FDA suggest the pepper was produced in Jordan.

The alert states that the contamination was discovered when a routine state surveillance sample tested positive for Salmonella in several packages. UBC Food Distributors has halted production of the product until the source of the contamination is identified.

No illnesses connected to this recall have been reported as of press time.

If you bought the recalled black pepper, the FDA urges you to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any questions, contact UBC Food Distributors at 313-846-8117 from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Didn’t know black pepper could be suspect? Here’s why you might want to think twice about using it at a restaurant.

Salmonella infection symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Chills
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

While anyone is at risk of Salmonella infection, “young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions such as HIV, sickle cell disease, cancer, or organ transplant” are at a higher risk, according to John Hopkins.

“In rare circumstances,” the FDA reports, “infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.”

If you believe you’re experiencing Salmonella symptoms, contact a licensed healthcare provider immediately.