White and black pepper products from the Union City, California, facility of the Union International Food Company were found to contain Salmonella and were linked to illnesses in four states. The Salmonella Rissen that was isolated from product and environmental samples genetically matched the Salmonella Rissen that was isolated from case-patients. Union International manufactured ground white pepper and repackaged pepper and a variety of other spices. They also packaged and sold oils and sauces. Many of the illnesses resulted from eating food at Asian style restaurants that were using black and/or white pepper. The outbreak resulted in the company's decision to recall all dry spices, sauces, oils, and oil blends.