U.S. Cilantro in Tijuana Prompts Salmonella Warnings

Cilantro, found regularly in Mexican food, has received an unclean bill of health by Tijuana food inspectors.

According to a report in Tijuana’s daily Frontera, a salmonella-contaminated cilantro from U.S. sources has been introduced into the taco-production food chain, and residents and tourists are being warned of the gastrointestinal distress that will ensue if the contaminated herb is consumed.

The diseased cilantro comes from several California sources, according to Ricardo Zamarrón, director of a city health department that addresses sanitation issues. The cilantro was believed to have been distributed by Sabor Farms under brand names Tanimura & Antle, Ocean Mist, Nature’s Reward, and Queen Victoria during the last two weeks of January. Mexican restaurateurs have been advised to avoid using cilantro with those brand names.

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning are abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea (sometimes bloody). Those who believe they may have been infected with the bacteria should see a doctor immediately.