Updated March 17, 2016 A Salmonella outbreak linked to Wonderful brand pistachios that has sickened 11 people in nine states has triggered a series of recalls. Two people have been hospitalized. Consumers who have recently purchased pistachios should check recall information as Salmonella can cause serious illness and pistachios have a long shelf life.
State and federal health officials have used DNA “fingerprinting” tests to identify case patients who are part of the outbreak. Ranging in age from 9 years to 69 years old, those sickened reported onset of illness dates from December 12, 2015 to February 9, 2016. The outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo has also been isolated from samples of raw pistachios collected from Paramount Farms, where Wonderful pistachios are grown.
Cases have been reported from Alabama (1), Arizona (1), Connecticut (1), Georgia (1), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), North Dakota (1), Virginia (1) and Washington (2). Seventy three percent of the case patients are male, the median age is 31.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, which usually set in between six and 72 hours after exposure and last about a week, include nausea, fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea that can be bloody. Those at elevated risk of infection are children, seniors and people with compromised immune systems.
Some Salmonella infections can trigger serious complications if the bacteria moves from the intestinal tract to the bloodstream. Among other things, this more severe form of a Salmonella infection can produce arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
A recall has been issued for pistachios sold under the brand names Wonderful, Paramount Farms, and Trader Joe’s. The recalled nuts, sold nationwide and in Canada under the brand names Wonderful, Paramount Farms, and Trader Joe’s, were packaged in bags and boxes. They include Roasted No Salt Inshell Pistachios, Roasted Salted Inshell Pistachios, Roasted Salted Shelled Pistachios, Roasted Sweet Chili Pistachios, Roasted Salt and Pepper Inshell Pistachios50% Less Salt Dry Roasted & Salted Inshell Pistachios, Dry Roasted & Unsalted Inshell Pistachios; and Dry Roasted & Salted Inshell Pistachios. Click the recall link above for detailed product information.
Kanan Enterprises has issued a recall for in shell pistachios. due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The recall stems from a notice by a third party supplier who said the nuts have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recalled product, Favorites Natural Pistachios, was sold in a 4.5 ounce stand up pouch bag with a UPC 0 38445 12286 5 and a date code of 15 Feb 2017 and 16 Feb 2017 and was distributed nationally through convenience stores. No other Kanan Enterprises products or dates are affected.
Texas Star Nut and Food Co. Inc. has issued a recall for Nature’s Eats natural pistachio kernels, because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled product was sold in 8oz. cello bags with the lot code 40262001 and the “best by” date “1/4/2017.” It was sold at retail locations in Texas and Louisiana from January 22, 2016 to February 3, 2016. The company has ceased the distribution of this specific lot of natural pistachio kernels.
Texas Star Nut and Food Co. Inc. expanded that recall on March 14 to include snack mixes. The recalled products were sold under the brand names Fresh Choice Survivor Mix, Southern Grove Survival Mix, Southern Grove Go Raw, Natural Pistachios, Hill Country Ramblin’, Nature’s Eats Austin’s Nutty All-Terrain, Nature’s Eats Austin’s Nutty All-Terrain, Almond & Pistachio Duo and Nature’s Eats Simply Go Raw.
For Fresh Choice Survivor Mix in 4.75 ounce packages the UPC number is 0-39759-17030-6 and the best by dates are 9/11/2016 – 1/13/2017. Southern Grove Survival Mix in 10 ounce packages, with UPC number 0-41498-21118-9 and best by dates of 8/27/2016 2/2/2017. Southern Grove Go Raw in 8 ounce packages with UPC number 0-41498-21123-3 and best by dates 8/17/2016 – 9/14/2016. Natural Pistachios in 8 ounce packages with UPC number 8-32112-00271-5 and best by dates 8/3/2016 – 1/14/2017; Survivor Mix in 10 ounce packages with UPC number 8-32112-00345-3 and best by dates 9/3/2016 – 1/18/2017; and Hill Country Ramblin’ in 15 ounce packages with UPC number 8-32112-00364-4 and best by dates 8/14/2016 – 2/1/2017.
Nature’s Eats Austin’s Nutty All-Terrain in 12 ounce packages is recalled, with UPC number 8-32112-00371-2 and best by dates 8/21/2016 – 1/28/2017. Almond & Pistachio Duo in 6 ounce packages is recalled, with UPC number 8-32112-00380-4 and best by dates 9/8/2016 – 2/8/2017. And Nature’s Eats Simply Go Raw is recalled, sold in 8 ounce packages with UPC number 8-32112-00383-5 and best by dates 8/13/2016 – 1/25/2017.
These products were sold nationwide and distributed between 8/13/2015 and 2/24/2016. If you purchased them, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed container or return them to the place where you bought them for a full refund.
Trader Joe’s and Wonderful brand pistachios have also been recalled in Canada. Consumers who have purchased pistachios recently should check recall information before eating them. Detailed product information is available by clicking the recall links above.
