Parsley (the flat leaf kind) is the herb I most often mistake for cilantro while shopping the produce aisle. I’m not sure if I’ve ever purchased curly parsley, a fresh herb often used in Mediterranean and Lebanese salads (and as a plate garnish). 

According to the Packer, Roth Farms says that FDA required them to conduct a recall after a sample of their curly parsley tested positive for Salmonella.

A Florida grower says the Food and Drug Administration is mandating a recall of curly parsley five weeks after it was harvested — and long after its shelf life had expired — after a positive test for Salmonella.

However, FDA spokeswoman Theresa Eisenman said the recall is voluntary.

Rick Roth, owner of Roth Farms Inc., Belle Glade, Fla., said he is cooperating with the agency, but the recall was not voluntary. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the Roth Farms parsley.

“We were told it was required,” Roth said Feb. 13.

Roth Farms harvested the parsley Jan. 7. The company’s agent said FDA notified Roth Farms of the positive test result on Feb. 11.

Managing and recovering from a recall is tough enough without the added he said/she said rhetoric. A better message would be that Roth Farms recalled product to protect the folks who eat parsley, and, that they are investigating the source of contamination while evaluating their systems.