Mauna Loa Macadamia nut products, produced in Kea’au, Hawaii are being recalled for possible E. coli contamination. These products were made between September 6 and 21, 2018. This recall was prompted by a detection of E. coli in the well water and distribution system that supplies the facility. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.
All retailers of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut products are to remove from sale any products received after September 6, 2018. Peter Oshiro, Sanitation Branch chief said in a statement, “There is clear evidence that food produced at the Kea‘au facility may be contaminated and consumers may be at risk. The Department of Health is working with the facility to ensure the safety of their drinking water and food production.”
On September 5, 2018, samples taken from the water distribution system passed testing and showed no contamination. But on September 21, the Department of Health was notified that a water distribution sample at the production center tested positive for E. coli bacteria. The food production operations were closed by order of the Health Department. The facility will remain closed until it meets all requirements and standards.
There is no list of Mauna Loa products that are recalled, or where the products may have been sold. We don’t know if the nut products were sold only in Hawaii or were shipped to the mainland U.S. or other countries. The recall notice just states that all of the products produced between September 6 and 21, 2018 are recalled.
The symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe and painful stomach and abdominal cramps, along with diarrhea that is usually watery or bloody. People usually get sick a few days to a a week after infection. If you have eaten any of these recalled products and have been ill with these symptoms, see your doctor.
