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Recall of Pistachios Expands

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is conducting genetic tests to establish a possible link between consumer illnesses and samples of pistachios containing multiple strains of salmonella as the list of recalled products expanded last week. Setton Pistachio, Terra Bella, Calif., issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of approximately 1 million pounds of bulk roasted-in-shell

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration here is conducting genetic tests to establish a possible link between consumer illnesses and samples of pistachios containing multiple strains of salmonella as the list of recalled products expanded last week.

Setton Pistachio, Terra Bella, Calif., issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of approximately 1 million pounds of bulk roasted-in-shell and roasted shelled pistachios that were shipped on or after Sept. 1, 2008. Several companies supplied by Setton have since issued recalls of specific products.

The FDA first learned of the problem on March 24, when it was told by Kraft Foods that its Back to Nature Trail Mix was found to be contaminated with salmonella. Kraft was initially alerted by its supplier, Georgia Nut Co., that tests conducted by Georgia Nut revealed the potential for salmonella contamination in pistachios that it sourced from Setton Pistachio. Kraft subsequently sent its auditors to Setton, and identified the source of contamination to be pistachios there.

“Our auditors observed situations where raw and roasted pistachios were not properly segregated, and that could explain the sporadic contamination discovered,” Kraft spokeswoman Laurie Guzzinati told SN.

Calls placed to Setton Pistachio by SN were not answered.

Among the retailers that issued recalls last week, Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. recalled certain Private Selection Shelled Pistachios, and Whole Foods Market, Austin, Texas, recalled certain 365 Everyday Value brand in-shell Dry Roasted and Salted Pistachios. Both companies said no illnesses had been reported in connection with those specific products.

However, the FDA said several illnesses were reported by consumers that may be associated with pistachios, but it was not yet known whether any of the salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak.

In addition to supplier recalls by Kraft, Setton Pistachio and Georgia Nut Co., other suppliers issuing recalls last week included Kar Nut Products Co.; John B. Sanfilippo and Son; Frito-Lay; and Back to Nature Foods Co.

The FDA maintains an updated list at fda.gov.

Since the nuts were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, additional pistachio products may be recalled, according to the FDA. It cautioned consumers not to eat products containing pistachios.

The pistachio recalls come on the heels of the massive peanut-product recall, which dragged on for weeks as more and more products were traced to supplier Peanut Corp. of America.

Separately, Kroger last week issued a recall of Kroger Lite Mayo in 32-ounce plastic jars in certain Midwestern markets, citing concern that the product may have been contaminated with salmonella.