Heartland Foods, Inc. of Indianapolis is voluntarily recalling all sizes/containers of Coarse Black Ground Black Pepper shipped from their facility at 6815 E. 34th Street, Indianapolis IN. Potential distribution took place on or after October 19th, 2009 to February 17th, 2010. These products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and other with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The product involved includes the following sizes: 1 lb Quart (jar), 4 lb Gallon, 8 lb Bucket (new pail). Each container is identified with an individual label showing the Heartland Foods company logo, the description: Coarse Ground Black Pepper, and the specific Net Weight of the container (i.e., 1 lb, 4 lb, 8 lb). Product distribution of Coarse Ground Black Pepper has been suspended while the FDA continues its investigation.

Heartland Foods, Inc. takes the safety of our customers and the integrity of our products very seriously. Customers who have purchased Coarse Ground Black Pepper during the specified dates above, are urged not to use the product and return the product to a Heartland Foods, Inc. representative for a full refund. Customers are also urged to recall any product they further distributed.

Customers with questions may contact Heartland Foods, Inc. Recall Department Monday through Friday 5am to 5pm EST at (800) 762-6909.