Unpasteurized Soybean Tempeh Recalled Over Salmonella

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public not to consume unpasteurized soybean tempeh manufactured by Smiling Hara of Asheville, N.C., because it may by contaminated with Salmonella. Tempeh is a fermented soyfood used as a meat substitute in vegetarian cuisine.

The company recalled 12-ounce packages of unpasteurized soybean tempeh manufactured between Jan. 11 and April 11, 2012. The containers are marked with a best-by date of 7/11/12 through 10/25/12. Tempeh is used as a meat substitute in vegetarian cuisine.

Anyone with this product in their possession should not eat it," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. Smiling Hara launched the recall after samples collected by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services during a routine inspection tested positive for Salmonella."

Additional tests will be conducted by the N.C. Division of Public Health to determine whether the Salmonella detected in the tempeh matches the strain found in an outbreak that has sickened 37 people in Buncombe County since Feb. 28,2012.