Pistachio Recall Expands, Salmonella Found in California Plant

More pistachios are being recalled as government health-safety officials have confirmed that traces of salmonella bacteria were found in several areas of a California plant that processed the nuts.

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the second-largest processor of pistachios in the United States, announced that it was recalling all roasted, shelled pistachios, roasted in-shell pistachios, and raw shelled pistachios from its 2008 crop. The company had previously recalled more than two million pounds of nuts due to concerns about possible salmonella contamination.

Also, individual food makers and grocery store chains that bought pistachios from Setton to make dozens of brands of trail mix, ice cream, cake mixes, and other products have announced their own product recalls. As many as 35 wholesalers in the U.S. as well as international food companies purchased Setton pistachios, officials said.

While no consumer illnesses have been linked to salmonella from pistachios, federal regulators have warned consumers to avoid eating pistachios or foods made with the nuts until further investigation can determine which foods are safe.

More product recalls are expected as additional foods containing Setton pistachios are identified, officials said. While roasting nuts is supposed to kill bacteria on them, improperly roasting or allowing roasted nuts to come into contact with contaminated nuts after roasting can lead to problems.

Salmonella is a form of bacteria that can cause the most common type of food poisoning, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. While most healthy people recover from the food poisoning without severe symptoms or lasting damage, some people, particularly the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems may develop severe infections from salmonella.

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