1 Million Pounds of Pistachios Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Move over peanuts, make way for pistachios.

About one million pounds of pistachios processed by a California company and sold nationwide since September 2008 have been recalled due to concerns that the nuts may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria, the Food and Drug Administration said.

Several illnesses have been reported and may be caused by salmonella, a common type of food poisoning that can cause severe and deadly infections in the elderly, young children, and people who are ill or have weakened immune systems. Federal and state health regulators are continuing to investigate.

Recall Detailed

The nationwide recall of pistachios from Setton Pistacchio of Terra Bella Inc. comes just as a deadly outbreak of salmonella tied to contaminated peanuts, peanut butter, and other peanut products has died down. That outbreak, which began in late 2008, resulted in at least nine deaths, nearly 700 illnesses, and the recall of 3,200 food products, making it one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history.

The recalled nuts were shipped on or after September 1, 2008, officials said. They were used as ingredients in many food products, so the recall is likely to expand to include many more items, the FDA said. Additional pistachio-related recalls may be announced as the investigation into the source of the contamination continues, officials said.

Stores Pull Pistachios From Shelves

The contamination was discovered on March 24, 2009, when Kraft Foods told the FDA that its Back To Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix, which contains Setton pistachios, had tested positive for salmonella.

Setton has recalled specific lots of bulk-roasted shelled pistachios and roasted unshelled bagged pistachios in 2,000-pound, 1,800-pound, 1,700-pound, and 1,000-pound amounts. Those nuts in bulk form were sold to wholesale customers, who then used them in products ranging from ice cream to baklava. The company said it also has learned that a smaller amount of shelled pistachios sold in late 2008 tested positive for salmonella, the FDA said.

Setton also is recalling its Setton Farms brand of roasted salted shelled pistachios in 9-ounce bags with a “Best Before” date between January 6, 2010 and January 19, 2010. The products were sold in seven Southeastern states, according to the FDA.

Grocery store operator Kroger Co. then recalled its Private Selection shelled pistachios, which were sold at various chains.

Supervalu Inc., which owns Albertsons and Jewel-Osco among other food stores, is removing all pistachios and products containing pistachios from its stores until it gets more information regarding specific product recalls, officials said.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which sells Setton nuts in its Sam’s Choice private brand of pistachios, said it has been told by Setton that those pistachios are not included in the current recall, officials said. Wal-Mart reportedly is continuing to work with Setton to ensure the safety of the pistachios sold by the nation’s largest retail outlet.

Diamond Foods Inc., which sells pistachios and other nuts under the Diamond brand as well as Emerald brand snacking nuts, said it does not buy any nuts from Setton and does not believe any of its products are affected.

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