Union International Food Co. is further expanding the recall of Lian How brand and Uncle Chen brand retail and institutional products.  The recall now includes various size packages of all Uncle Chen and Lian How sauces, oils, and oil blends because the products may be contaminated with salmonella.  Uncle Chen and Lian How products included in this expanded recall are:

The recall also includes previous recalled Uncle Chen and Lian How packages of 15-pound and smaller size packages of the Lian How brand dry spices, 30-pound boxes and smaller size packages of Lian How crushed chili, Uncle Chen brand black pepper (whole and ground) in 5oz. retail containers, Uncle Chen white pepper (whole and ground) in 5oz. retail containers and 5 pound plastic bags and the Uncle Chen brand Wasabi powder in 2.2 pound foil bags.

The Uncle Chen and Lian How brand products were distributed in the states of California, Oregon and Washington to retailers, wholesalers, distributors, restaurant suppliers and restaurants.  Union International Foods Company has ceased the production and distribution of these products as the US FDA, the California Department of Public Health and Union International Foods Co. continue the investigation as to nature and full extent of this potential contamination.

Salmonella was isolated from an open container of Lian How White Pepper, which was found at a restaurant where some outbreak victims ate.   After discussions with the California Department of Public Health, Union Foods agreed to initiate a recall.  Over 40 people in four states (CA, WA, OR, NV) have now been linked to this outbreak of Salmonella Rissen – a rare but dangerous strain of salmonella.