Salmonella Threat Leads To National Recall Of Pistachios

SEATTLE (AP) — (AP) — Pistachios sold under the brands of Wonderful, Paramount Farms and Trader Joe's have been recalled nationwide because they may be contaminated with salmonella.

Health officials in nine states were investigating 11 cases of salmonella linked to pistachios from Wonderful Pistachios of Lost Hills, California. The nuts are sold nationwide and in Canada.

Two people have been hospitalized related to the outbreak, but no deaths have been reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People infected with salmonella may experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours of exposure to the bacteria.

The recalled pistachios can be identified by a lot code number on the lower back or bottom panel of the package. A list of those numbers is available on the CDC website.

LINK: fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm489959.htm

Wonderful Pistachios said on its website that it takes food safety seriously and is working with health officials to find the source of the problem.

The company said this is the first recall in 30 years of growing, harvesting and processing pistachios. It says it has started doing more sampling and testing to enhance its food safety program.

People can return the nuts where they bought them for a refund.

Salmonella