California pistachios recalled over Salmonella

FDADavid Bolstad
By U.S. Food & Drug Administration

 Western Mixers Produce & Nut Company of Los Angeles, California is recalling ARO and/or Treasured Harvest Pistachios, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Pistachios were distributed in: California, Nevada, Ohio and Utah; through Retail Stores, Mail Order and various Distributors during the dates of: October 17, 2012 – April 29, 2013.

The Pistachios can be identified as follows:

Package Size Package Label Product Detail Lot # On Pkg.
6 oz. Clear Plastic Cup Treasured Harvest Roasted & Salted Pistachios 123050, 123140, 123320, 123450, 123360, 130150, 130240, 130350
12 oz. Clear Bag Treasured Harvest Roasted & Salted Pistachios #130290
28 oz. Clear Plastic Tray Treasured Harvest Roasted & Salted Pistachios 123100, 122960, 123040

The recall is a voluntary recall of the Pistachio products processed by ARO Pistachio during the 2012 harvest year. The recall was initiated because the Recalled Product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Western Mixers is taking an extremely proactive approach to protecting the public by recalling the products produced at their facility during the timeframes subject of this recall to ensure public health and safety. While neither Western Mixers nor the FDA have found Salmonella in any of their finished products distributed in commerce, they are undertaking this action in full cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Public Health. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA, ARO and Western Mixers continue with their investigations.

Consumers who have purchased Treasured Harvest Pistachios with reference to the above Lot numbers, are urged to destroy the product and/or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc. at: 1-877-230-8449, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 am (PST) and 2:00 pm (PST).


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