Health officials have concluded that recent cases of Salmonella poisoning are linked to commercially sold pistachios.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—in collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health officials—made the announcement on March 9.
The announcement identifies 11 cases across nine states, with two hospitalizations. As of yet, no deaths have been reported.
- As of March 7, states on both the Pacific and the Atlantic report Salmonella poisoning connected to pistachio products (CDC)
Products sold under Wonderful, Paramount Farms, and Trader Joe’s brands have been affected and the companies have issued voluntary recalls of contaminated products.
The Wonderful Company stated that Salmonella contaminated pistachios were distributed via “several retailers, food companies, and manufacturers” throughout the United States, as well as Canada, Mexico, and Peru.
Defective products can be identified by a 13-digit lot code number found on the packaging, says Wonderful, and only products with these lot code numbers are affected by the recall.
Three Trader Joe’s roasted pistachio products have been contaminated by Salmonella; if the “Best If Used By” date code falls between “2016 OCT 27” and “2016 NOV 04,” the pistachio product may be unsafe. Consumers may return contaminated Trader Joe’s products for a full refund.
For Trader Joe’s, this is the second Salmonella contamination and nut recall this year. A batch of “Trader Joe’s Raw Cashew Pieces” were recalled on Jan. 15.
The CDC urges consumers who believe that have been infected to contact their health care providers. Symptoms of Salmonella that usually develop between 12-72 hours after exposure are listed as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Trader Joe’s Customer Relations can be contacted at (626) 599-3817. The Wonderful Company consumers may contact (844) 505-3844.
