The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has detected the presence of salmonella bacteria in the MDH brand sambhar masala. The company has since withdrawn at least three lots of the product in the US.
Produced by R Pure Agro Specialities and distributed by the House Of Spices (India), MDH sambhar masala was tested by the FDA through a certified laboratory and found positive for salmonella.
The recalled batches of the spice were distributed in northern California retail stores, according to a House Of Spices (India) statement.
"Consumers who have purchased the MDH SAMBAR MASALA, 3.5 oz (100g) are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund," House Of Spices said in a statement issued last week.
Consumption of food contaminated with salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses.