FDA Warns Against Eating Pistachio Products

NEW YORK -- Potential salmonella contamination led a California pistachio processor to issue a nationwide voluntary recall, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the California Department of Public Health investigate.

Several illnesses were reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios, according to Reuters. The FDA recommends consumers avoid eating pistachio products until further information is available.

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, Reuters noted.

Setton's current recall involves about 1 million pounds of pistachios, according to the FDA. The recall is not related to the recent recalls associated with peanuts or peanut butter.

On Friday, Kroger Co. recalled its Private Selection shelled pistachios due to potential contamination. The recall affects pistachios sold at Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer and a host of other stores owned by Kroger.

Setton is 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.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, Reuters noted.

In today's CSNews Spare Change blog post, Associate News Editor Mehgan Belanger asks why the U.S. food supply cannot be protected.
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