Peppers, avocados recalled for salmonella

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- One day after a statewide recall of avocados and jalapenos, WCNC spotted an inspector with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service at a Charlotte grocery store.

"I'm glad that somebody is coming around to check these stores," said customer Tony Almendarez.

The statewide recall covers a specific shipment of fresh jalapenos and avocados distributed by Charlotte’s El Campo Produce Inc. Some samples taken by inspectors last week tested positive for salmonella.

See the list of places that use El Campo produce: Grocery stores | Prepared food sellers (.xls spreadsheets)

El Campo received the produce from a Texas food supply company.

"I think produce in general is one of the least regulated food items in the nation," said state epidemiologist Dr. Jeffrey Engel.

When several customers reported getting sick after eating at Moe's and Cantina 1511 on East Boulevard, state health inspectors looked for a common link. They discovered both Dilworth restaurant purchased produce from El Campo.

However, when inspectors visited El Campo, they were surprised to discover that the tainted jalapeno peppers and avocados had a different strain of salmonella.

"We are cooperating fully with health inspectors," said Alberto Tapio of El Campo. "The produce that we have now is safe."

El Campo also sells produce to some Latino food markets.

The state inspector seen leaving a grocery store on Central Avenue Friday morning was not carrying out any produce.

Below is a statement from Cantina 1511, one of the restaurants that used produce from El Campo:

We are pleased to report that after extensive investigation by the CDC, FDA, local and state health departments, that Cantina 1511 has been exonerated from any suspicion of causing illness in certain patrons.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department recently tested products received from suppliers as well as products produced in the restaurant and according to Bill Hardister R.S., Environmental Health Division Director, “all products were tested for the presence of salmonella and reported to be negative for these organisms.”

Dr. Stephen Keener, medical director of the Mecklenburg County Health Department, has emphasized that Cantina 1511 is not being blamed for any cases of salmonella found in Charlotte and states, “I certainly wouldn't hesitate to eat there," Keener said. " We can assure the public that we feel like there's no hazard for them to eat at these restaurants. I would do it tonight."

We are doing everything in our power to ensure the quality of our products by closely monitoring our vendors and, as an added precaution, have banned all products coming from any areas that might be cause for concern. We are relying solely on trusted vendors who have been cleared by the CDC and until this issue is put to rest will continue to work diligently to ensure the health and safety of our customers.