The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Saturday that Sweet Superior Fruit Ltd. of McAllen, Texas, is recalling 104 crates of fresh cilantro (coriander) because the product has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail and elderly people, and in others with weakened immune systems.

The recalled fresh cilantro (coriander) was sold July 13-16, 2009, in 15-pound, black plastic crates to individuals and companies through cash sales at Sweet Superior Fruit Ltd. Co., 2501 W. Military Hwy., Suite #A-5 and A-6, McAllen, Texas 78503-8939. The product may have been further sold through direct retail sales in McAllen, Texas, and surrounding areas or used as an ingredient to manufacture additional products.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem, the FDA said.

The potential for contamination was revealed through testing by the FDA, which found the presence of salmonella in the product.

Individuals and companies who purchased fresh cilantro from this company during this period should immediately discontinue use of the product. Companies should make efforts to recall the product from customers and consumers who may have purchased the product and ask them to return or throw it away, the FDA said.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 956/687-6683.

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