UPDATE 2-Pistachios recalled due to salmonella risk
Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:43am EDT
Calif. pistachio processor recalls pistachios
* FDA advises consumers avoid all pistachio products (Adds details, comments by FDA, background)
NEW YORK, March 31 (Reuters) – A California pistachio processor issued a nationwide voluntary recall on Tuesday of pistachios due to potential salmonella contamination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the California Dept. of Public Health are investigating the matter. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios, the FDA said.
The recalled nuts were shipped on or after Sept. 1, 2008 by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc.
Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, the FDA said the recall is likely to impact many products. It also said the investigation at Setton was ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls.
Setton’s current recall involves about 1 million pounds of pistachios, according to the FDA. Setton said the recall is not related to the recent recalls associated with peanuts or peanut butter.
The FDA recommends that consumers avoid eating pistachio products until further information is available about the scope of affected products.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Setton recalled specific lots of bulk roasted shelled pistachios and roasted unshelled pistachios in 2,000-pound, 1,800-pound, 1,700-pound and 1,000-pound bags sold to wholesale customers after learning that a small amount of shelled pistachios it sold in late 2008 tested positive for salmonella.
Setton is also recalling its Setton Farms brand roasted salted shelled pistachios in 9-ounce bags with a “Best Before” date between Jan. 6, 2010 and Jan. 19, 2010, distributed in seven Southeastern states.
Grocery chain Kroger Co (KR.N) recalled its Private Selection shelled pistachios on Friday due to potential salmonella contamination. That recall affects pistachios sold at Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer and a host of other stores owned by Kroger. [ID:nPnCL90405] (Reporting by Martinne Geller; Editing by Steve Orlofsky, editing by Dave Zimmerman)
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