Pistachios Recalled in US due to Salmonella Risk

A major California-based processor has issued an immediate national recall today on pistachios. Setton Pistachio, of Terra Bella Inc., sited possible salmonella contamination as the cause of the recall, and both the FDA and the California Department of Public Health have initiated an investigation. The recalled nuts were shipped on or after Sept. 1, 2008, and have been associated with several cases of illness. The FDA has noted that because the suspect pistachios were used as ingredients in numerous other foods, more product recalls are likely.

Kraft Foods Inc. is recalling over two dozen products containing pistachios supplied by Setton, including products under the Planters and Back to Nature brands.

Supervalu Inc., which owns the food store chains Albertsons and Jewel-Osco, has taken all pistachio products off its shelves until further notice.

Kroger Co, a privately owned grocery store, has issued a recall on its own selection of shelled pistachios.

The first alarm of possible salmonella contamination was sounded to the FDA on March 24th by Kraft when its Back to Nature Trail Mix tested positive for the bacteria. Since then, Setton has recalled around a million pounds of its pistachios from the market.

We encourage you to read the entire Reuters article for more information detailing the recall, and which brands have been affected.