California-based Union International Food Co. is expanding its Asian spice and sauce recall after their salmonella-tainted products have sickened 33 people throughout northern and central California and nine others in Nevada, Oregon and Washington. According to a news report in10news, the company had previously recalled Lian How brand and Uncle Chen brand dry spices. Because of the possibility of food-borne illness the brand will recall Lian How brand and Uncle Chen brand sauces, oil and oil blends in various size packages. These products may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

Salmonella infection, whose symptoms include diarrhea and severe stomach cramps, can be fatal. But so far, no deaths have been reported in connection with these recalled food products. Officials say most people sickened by the salmonella appeared to have been exposed to the bacteria while eating at Asian restaurants that used the company’s spices. The company said the salmonella was isolated from an open container of Lian How white pepper.

Just this year, salmonella has created a stir – first with a peanut butter recall, which killed six and sickened 473 people across the United States. A widespread pistachio nut recall is also ongoing as federal health officials try to track down the source of the contamination. These salmonella outbreaks and previous E. coli outbreaks are symptomatic of the breakdown of food inspection processes in the United States. These food-borne illnesses will only increase, become more frequent and claim more victims each year if federal food safety standards are not enforced.

If you have been seriously injured or have lost a loved one to a food-borne illness caused by someone’s negligence, please contact experienced California food-borne illness attorneys who will inform you about your legal rights and options. If you were served contaminated food at a restaurant or if your supermarket sold you tainted meat or produce, you have a right to be compensated for your medical expenses, cost of medication or future treatment, pain and suffering.