Pistachio Recall

According to the FDA.gov, the FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. Already, many people have been diagnosed with salmonella across the US, and more are expected to occur. Salmonella poisoning is the second most common bacterial food borne illness reported. Symptoms include severe headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, flu-like symptoms, and loss of appetite.

The FDA first learned of the problem on March 24, when it was informed by Kraft Foods that it’s Back to Nature Trail Mix was found to be contaminated with Salmonella. The pistachios were traced to a huge batch of pistachio nuts from the Setton Pistachio Company, which were then sold in large quantities to 36 different wholesalers across the U.S. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak.

The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls. So far, 64 products sold fewer than 21 brand names by six companies have been recalled. The most recent recalls are Kraft Planters brand products containing pistachios and Back to Nature brand products containing pistachios. Frito-Lay has recalled its Salted Pistachios (in shell).

The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Anyone experiencing any salmonella-like symptoms is advised to seek medical care immediately. For more information, please call Messa & Associates at 215.568.3500 or 866.403.4LAW.

For a list of all recalled products, please click the link below:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/pistachiorecall/Pistachio2009.xls