Pistachio Nuts Recalled as Safety Measure
Consumers Alerted to Ice Cream, Cakes, and Pistachio Nut Products
Another product has consumers on the alert. March 30, 2009, the FDA issued a warning that pistachio nuts produced by a California processing plant may be contaminated with the same type of salmonella bacteria that was recently found in peanuts. In an AOL news story by Garance Burke, Associated Press, March 2009, "... federal food officials are now warning people not to eat any food containing pistachios, which could carry contamination from the same bacteria."
According to FDA officials, a voluntary recall of 2 million pounds of roasted pistachio nuts distributed in fall 2008 was made by central California-based Setton Pistachio, of Terra Bella, Incorporated. California is the second-largest producer of pistachios in the world.
How Did Contamination Occur and What Products are at Risk?
Roasting is supposed to kill the bacteria, but food items can be re-contaminated if not handled correctly after the roasting process is completed. Pistachio ice cream, ice cream novelties, and pistachio cake mixes might possibly be contaminated, as well as packaged nuts on grocery store and department store shelves.
Spring catalogs advertising candy and other nut treats may or may not be affected by the new salmonella outbreak. Some popular food and gift companies such as The Swiss Colony, Sunnyland Farms, and Figis Inc., sell pistachio nuts by the tin and in some of their confections. With Easter Sunday, Mother's Day, and Father's Day upon us, consumers might want to contact any gift company that offers pistachios before buying pistachio products, just to be safe.
Jane Willson of Sunnyland Farms in Albany, Georgia, stated in a telephone conversation that pistachios used in Sunnyland Farm products come from supplier Orandi Farms, and are not affected by the bacteria outbreak. Several concerned customers had already called in response to the breaking news story. Willson, who founded Sunnyland Farms with her husband over sixty years ago, emphasized that even though Sunnyland pistachios are not affected, customers should go ahead and throw away the nuts if they don't feel safe eating them. She added that Sunnyland Farms is willing to refund money for ordered pistachio nuts.
Food Contamination Warnings are for Everyone
The contaminated pistachio nuts represent only a small fraction of the nuts the Setton company produced last year, but it's too soon to know how many products down the line might also be affected. At this point the recall is voluntary, but consumers should remain alert for updated information.
The number of food product recalls over the last year has steadily increased, adding to the concern. Customers are advised not to become complacent when reports of bacterial outbreaks in food are issued. Older citizens and young children are especially vulnerable to contaminated foods, as are people with at-risk immune systems.
Food poisoning from salmonella bacteria is not specific to the food itself, but is a result of improperly processed and/or carelessly handled food products. Increasing the number of health inspections per year, stricter sanitizing regulations, and providing a more thorough education for food handlers, all would undoubtedly result in a decrease of food-related illnesses.
Recalled food products can usually be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. The recall is a safety measure at this time, but consumers are still advised to discard or return pistachio nuts and pistachio nut products. It's simply better to be safe than sorry, especially where health issues are at stake.
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