Wonderful Pistachios, based in Lost Hills, Calif., has recalled a limited number of flavors and sizes of in-shell and shelled pistachios because of a salmonella risk. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the recall after 11 people were reportedly sickened by Salmonella montevideo. In a statement, the CDC said the products were distributed through several retailers nationwide and in Canada. Pistachios were sold under the brand names Paramount Farms, Trader Joe’s and Wonderful. The recalled products can be identified by a 13-digit lot code number on the lower back or bottom panel of the package. For a list of the lot numbers go to http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm489959.htm.
Those infected with salmonella bacteria often develop a fever, diarrhea, sometimes bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramping within 12 to 72 hours of consumption. In some cases, infection from salmonella can be fatal especially in young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Consumers who have purchased the products listed in the recall can return them to store where they were purchased for a refund or send back the bottom portion of the package that contains the lot code to: Wonderful Pistachios, 13646 Hwy 33, Lost Hills, CA 93249. It appears that the company has taken steps to make its products safer and is cooperating with the CDC.