Giardiniera recalled at two Caputo's food stores

The Illinois and McHenry County health departments today announced the recall of eight- and 16-ounce jars of "Homemade Hot Giardiniera" sold at Joe Caputo & Sons food markets in Algonquin and Palatine.

There have been two complaints from customers at the Joe Caputo and Son's store in Algonquin, said Debra Quackenbush, community information coordinator for the McHenry County Department of Health.

The customer said the product "bubbles over," which suggests a possible bacteria contamination, Quackenbush said.

"That's a real tell-tale sign that that's a problem there," she said.

No illnesses have been reported. The product can be returned to Caputo's for a refund.

Maurice Ferrazzuolo, deli buyer at the Palatine store, said only about 48 jars of the product have been sold. The product was being made in the store on a trial basis and inspectors believe there may have been a problem with the way jars were sealed, he said.

The jars have a 10/14 stamp on them and were sold at the Algonquin and Palatine stores, not the Des Plaines store, he said.

The product is being tested, he said. But regardless of the results, Caputo's will buy its giardiniera from suppliers rather than make its own from now on, he said.

The three Joe Caputo stores are not affiliated with the six Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets stores.

Giardiniera is an Italian condiment used on salads and sandwiches and includes a mixture of pickled carrots, celery, onions and cauliflower in oil.

The public should call the Department of Health with questions at (815) 334-4585 or Joe Caputo & Sons Market in Algonquin at (847) 458-9100.

The first Joe Caputo store opened on Aug. 30, 1989 in Des Plaines as a retail fruit and Italian specialty grocery store. It was started by Guiseppe (Joe) and Anna Caputo and their sons, Natale and Vito, according to the company Web site.