RECALL: Olde Thompson Inc. Recalls Organic Oregano

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black is alerting Georgians to the voluntary recall of certain lots of Earth's Pride Organics: Organic Oregano. Olde Thompson Inc., a company based out of Oxnard, Calif., announced the voluntary recall Monday in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration.

The oregano in question is packaged in a 2.2-ounce glass jar with a cork closure. Lot numbers affected are: 060367, 060692, 061252 and 061864. The UPC code for this oregano product is 400000290942. It was sold exclusively at BJ's Wholesale Club in several states, including Georgia, between Jan. 1 and July 10, 2013.

Routine sampling of raw materials indicated the presence of Salmonella in the oregano product, a bacterium known to cause salmonellosis in humans and animals. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. In some cases, they are known to be severe enough to require hospitalization and can cause serious complications or death in young children, the elderly and those with c
ompromised immune systems.

No illnesses have been reported related to this recall. Consumers are encouraged to dispose of the retail product and its container. If consumers already consumed the product and have concerns about their health, they are encouraged to contact their healthcare providers.

Georgia Department of Agriculture inspectors will be checking retail stores and food warehouses to make sure the recalled product is removed from sale.

Questions about this recall?
Consumers who purchased the affected oregano products and have any questions should contact a BJ's Wholesale Club member care representative at 1-800-257-2582 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Saturday or 12 to 6 p.m. EST Sunday.

To view a comprehensive list of food and feed recalls affecting Georgia, visit our Food Safety Division recall website. If this recall expands or additional details become available in the future, the website will provide the most up-to-date information.