FDA Expands Warnings on Tainted Dip

The Food and Drug Administration widened warnings Thursday that Americans should not purchase or consume a Mexican-style five-layer dip that has given 49 people food poisoning.

The dip, made in California and sold nationwide, may be contaminated with shigella, a serious and highly contagious bacteria that causes bloody diarrhea, cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting.

Dips sold under the brand names Senor Felix’s Five-Layered Party Dip, Delicioso 5-Layer Dip, Trader Joe’s Five-Layered Fiesta Dip and the Carryout Cafe Mexican Fiesta Party Dip 5 Layer are at fault, the FDA said.

The manufacturer, Senor Felix’s Gourmet Mexican Foods Inc. of Baldwin Park, recalled the contaminated dip last week.

Most of the illnesses were reported in California, Oregon and Washington. Five people were hospitalized, the FDA said.

Shigella is highly contagious, so sufferers who do not carefully wash their hands can spread the illness.

Consumers can return the dips to the place of purchase for a refund or call Senor Felix’s hotline at (800) 807-7335.