Tainted Pistachios

FDA Serves Warrant for Inspection of Westco Fruit and Nuts Inc.

New Jersey-based company received peanuts implicated in Salmonella outbreak; refused to provide access to records and refused to recall products

At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals today executed an inspection warrant at Westco Fruit and Nuts Inc. (Westco/Westcott), an Irvington, N.J.-based company. Westco/Westcott did not provide access to distribution documents and declined to recall products after an FDA request. Regulated companies are required by law to grant FDA entry for inspection, as well as provide access to distribution records. The FDA does not have authority to compel companies to recall food products, such as peanuts.

The company, which produces and distributes peanuts and peanut products, received peanuts and peanut product from the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a Georgia company that recalled products in January due to concerns of Salmonella contamination.

Despite PCA's effort to remove the affected product from the market and FDA's intervention, Westco/Westcott has refused to recall its products.

"FDA's enforcement action against Westco Fruit and Nuts is an appropriate step toward removing potentially harmful products from the marketplace, especially when, as in this case, a company is unwilling to share information FDA needs to ensure food safety," said Michael Chappell, the FDA's acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "The FDA uses all appropriate legal means necessary to obtain information and fully investigate firms or individuals who put the health of consumers at risk."

On March 23, 2009, the FDA formally requested Westco/Westcott to initiate a recall of all of its products containing peanuts from PCA because such products may be contaminated with Salmonella. On March 26, 2009, the FDA also issued a formal notice to Westco/Westcott requesting access to certain records concerning the distribution of PCA peanut containing products. The company declined both requests.

Investigations by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified products from PCA's Blakely, Ga., facility as a source of the current Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. These efforts led to PCA's recall of peanuts and peanut-derived products.

Between Nov. 19, 2008, and Dec. 30, 2008, Westco/Westcott received three shipments of Oil Roasted Salted Redskin Jumbo Peanuts from PCA's Georgia facility.

Westco/Westcott sold these peanuts in various size/packaging configurations and also used them as an ingredient in a variety of mixed nut products and trail mix produced between Nov. 19, 2008, and early February 2009.

On Feb. 9, 2009, New Jersey officials executed an embargo action at Westco/Westcott's distribution facility to prevent the company from further distributing potentially contaminated peanuts or peanut-derived products in the company's inventory.

The FDA has no reports of illness or death at this time associated with consumption of Westco/Westcott products. The FDA urged consumers on March 23, 2009, to check their homes for peanut-derived products made by or distributed by Westco/Westcott and repeats that advice today. For those consumers who find Westco/Westcott products, they should dispose of the peanuts in a safe manner by placing them in a plastic bag, sealing the bag properly and placing in a trash bin; they should wash their hands after handling. Salmonella is bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

As of March 17, 2009, 691 people infected with Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 46 states, and infection may have contributed to nine deaths.

Healthy people 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 (infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis).

For more information on the FDA's investigation into the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak, including a complete list of all the products being recalled, visit:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html.

Food safety bill introduced after pistachio recall

Los Angeles Business from bizjournals - by Kathy Robertson of the Sacramento Business Journal

While federal officials cranked up efforts to trace salmonella-tainted pistachios from a California plant, two state lawmakers announced legislation Tuesday to help ensure that foods processed in the state meet rigorous safety standards.

Assembly Bill 1372 by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Assemblyman Mike Feuer, both Democrats from Los Angeles, remains a “spot bill” while final language is approved, Feuer spokeswoman Arianna Smith said. The bill is expected to require:

Food processors to adopt detailed plans to ensure their products are safe
Periodic testing of food at California’s food processing facilities and
Food processing establishments to report to state authorities within 24 hours any positive test result for a dangerous contaminant.

“Families must be able to trust that the food they eat is safe,” Feuer said in a press release. “This legislation will close significant gaps in laws governing food inspections, testing and reporting contamination. We owe it to California’s consumers and the food industry that is so critical to our economy, to prevent the next crisis rather than react after people get sick.”

Setton Pistachio, a Fresno-based processor, recalled more than 1 million pounds of roasted nuts last week for possible salmonella contamination. Most of the nuts were sold wholesale to companies that used them as ingredients in products.

Kraft Foods Inc., one of the distributors that purchased the pistachios in bulk, was the entity that reported the salmonella contamination to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Food processing companies are under no obligation to do so. The current food safety system relies to a significant degree on steps taken voluntarily by food processors.

Girl Scouts recall cans of pistachios

Cookies sold by the Girl Scouts for fund raising escaped both ongoing recalls of peanuts and pistachios. But the group announced this week that it is recalling pistachios sold in pop-top cans by scouts in 18 states. The pistachios were packed by Ashdon Farms in Wisconsin, which got them from Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., the California company currently under investigation for salmonella contamination by the Food and Drug Administration.

The recall involves 7.5 oz cans of pistachios with code dates beginning with 8264A6, 8266B6, 8297A6, 8297B6 or 8318A6 on the bottom of the can. No illnesses have been reported in relation to this product.

The nuts were distributed by Girl Scout Councils as part of fund-raising efforts between October and early December 2008 in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. In addition, some cans were distributed in Northeastern Illinois and Northwestern Indiana in March 2009.

Concerned consumers can contact Ashdon Farms at 800-274-3666 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Central time Monday through Friday for more information.

To keep current with the peanut and pistachio recalls, consult the FDA's searchable databases for each. There have been 414 pistachio-related recalls and 3,911 peanut-related recalls. National brands of jarred peanut butter are not affected by that recall.

Pistachio product recalls

By The Associated Press, 04.09.09, 08:44 PM EDT

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The following recalls have been announced because the products may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems:

Wegmans is recalling select sweets. No illness has been reported. The recalled items were distributed to Wegmans stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland. Details: by phone at 800-934-6267.

This recall includes the following products:

_Large 8-inch raspberry custard tart; UPC 2-08499-00000; purchased on or after October 8, 2008

_Large 8-inch pineapple almond tart; UPC 2-08484-00000; purchased on or after October 8, 2008

_Small 3-inch raspberry custard tart; UPC 2-08488-00000; purchased on or after October 8, 2008

_Small 3-inch pineapple almond tart; UPC 2-08490-00000;purchased on or after October 8, 2008

_White chocolate bark with pistachio nuts candy; random weight; UPC 2-08236-00000; purchased on or after December 1, 2008

Marathon Ventures Inc. is recalling select pistachio items. No illness has been reported. The recalled products were sold at grocery stores and other retail outlets, as well as through foodservice in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Minneapolis, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Indiana and Pennsylvania. They were sold after Feb. 2, 2009. Details: by phone at 800-828-7688.

This recall includes the following products:

_UPC 75450 07924; HyVee pistachios (roasted, salted, in-shell); 1.5 ounces; beset by FEB02 2010, MAR26 2010 and MAR29 2010

_UPC 75450 07939; HyVee pistachios (roasted, salted, in-shell); 16 ounces; best by FEB03 2010, FEB04 2010 and MAR12 2010

_UPC 75049 00166; Herman's Nut House pistachios (roasted, salted, in-shell; 1.5 ounces; lot number 03I17D

_UPC 75049 00201; Herman's Nut House pistachios (roasted, salted, in-shell); 6 ounces; lot number 03I04A

Harry and David is recalling six pistachio-containing products. No illness has been reported. Details: by phone at 800-233-1101.

This recall includes the following direct marketing products, which were distributed nationwide and in Canada from October 2008:

_Capiz three-box tower; all lots; the top box contains a 4.3 oz. assortment of 10 caramel and nut candies with pistachios in the one dark chocolate pistachio cluster candy in the assortment (UPC7 8099430816 9)

_Direction engineering buffet; all lots; the basket contains a 10 ounce box of caramels and clusters with two chocolate pistachio cluster candies (UPC 7 8099430848 0

_Garden tote, also known as garden party tote, also known as garden delight basket; contains a 2-ounce bag of Sahale Snacks/Harry & David ksar pistachios; affected pistachio bags have a best-by date of 10/30/09, 11/20/09 or 11/27/09; UPC 8 9386900001 0.

_Start the party wine gift basket, also known as start the party with wine basket; contains a 2-ounce bag of Sahale Snacks/Harry & David ksar pistachios; affected pistachio bags have a best-by date of 10/30/09, 11/20/09 or 11/27/09; UPC 8 9386900001 0.

This recall also includes the following store products, which were available at Harry and David stores nationwide:

_Caramels and clusters; 10-ounce boxes; lot codes starting with 3188M, 3248M, 3258M, 3518M and 3528M; UPC 7 8099475181 1

_Sahale Snacks/Harry & David branded Marrakesh pistachios; 2-ounce plastic bag; best-by dates 11/13/09, 11/27/09 and 12/25/09; UPC 8 9386900587 9

Powers Candy and Nut Co. is recalling 16,000 pounds of Powers Snack Time pistachios. No illness has been reported. The recalled pistachios were available nationwide at convenience and grocery stores. Details: by phone at 509-489-1955 extension 111.

This recall includes the following products:

_Powers Snack Time high energy snacks pistachios; UPC 41373-01415; 3 ounces; best by 11-07-08 through 04-02-09

_Powers Snack Time high energy snacks pistachios; UPC 41373-01611; 4.5 ounces; best by 11-07-08 through 04-02-09

Renfroe Pecan Co. is recalling all pistachio-containing products. No illness has been reported. The recalled pistachio products were sold nationwide through mail order. They were also sold at Renfroe's retail store and in bulk bins labeled "California Pistachios" with "Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc." Details: by phone at 800-874-1929.

This recall includes the following products:

_Item 846; in-shell roasted & salted pistachios; 16-ounce clear cello bag; J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company label

_Item 846FR; in-shell roasted & salted pistachios, 16-ounce clear cello bag; J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company label

_Item 846RMIC; in-shell roasted & salted pistachios; 8-ounce clear cello bag

_Item 848; shelled roasted & salted pistachios; 16-ounce clear cello bag; J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company label

_Item 222; imperial mix; 16-ounce clear cello bag J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company label.

_Item 91A; fancy nut tin; octagonal-sectioned liner inside a decorative gift tin with pistachios included in the imperial mix section; J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company label.

_Item 92B; blue snowman stack tin; packaged in a 4-ounce clear cello bag included in the gift tin; J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company label

_Item 90; the trendy snack & coffee combination contained item 846, roasted & salted in-shell pistachios in a 16-ounce clear cello bag; J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company label.

_Item 95; the deluxe snack assortment contained item 846, roasted & salted in-shell pistachios in a 16-ounce clear cello bag; J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company label.

Sahale Snacks Inc. is recalling 2-ounce Ksar Pistachios Nut Blend, 5-ounce Ksar Pistachios Nut Blend and 4-ounce Harry & David Marrakesh Pistachios Nut Blend. No illnesses have been reported, according to the company. The recalled products were distributed in nationwide in the U.S., and to Canada, Panama, the Philippines, and Dominican Republic. They were sold through retail stores and retailers on the Internet. The Marrakesh Pistachios Nut Blends are packaged by Sahale Snacks and sold in Harry & David stores nationwide. For more information, consumers can call 206-518-5878.

Recalled Ksar Pistachio products distributed in the U.S.:

_Ksar Pistachios with Sesame Seeds, Pepitas, Fig and Moroccan Harissa; 2 ounces; item UPC 8-93869-00001-0; case UPC 8-93869-00011-9; lot codes: Best By 10/16/2009; Best By 10/30/2009; Best By 11/20/2009; Best By 11/27/2009; Best By 12/25/2009.

_Ksar Pistachios with Sesame Seeds, Pepitas, Fig and Moroccan Harissa; 5 ounces; item UPC 8-93869-00501-5; case UPC 8-93869-00511-4; lot codes: Best By 10/16/2009; Best By 10/30/2009; Best By 11/20/2009; Best By 11/27/2009; Best By 12/25/2009.

Recalled Ksar Pistachio products distributed in Canada:

_Ksar Pistachios/Pistaches with Sesame Seeds, Pepitas, Fig and Moroccan Harissa; 5 ounces; item UPC 8-93869-00541-1; case UPC 8-93869-00551-0; lot codes: Best By/Meilleur Avant 09 OC 16 (time of pack) 3; Best By/Meilleur Avant 09 OC 30 (time of pack) 2; Best By/Meilleur Avant 09 NO 20 (time of pack) 2; Best By/Meilleur Avant 09 NO 27 (time of pack) 5; Best By/Meilleur Avant 09 DE 25 (time of pack) 1.

Recalled Marrakesh Pistachio products distributed in Harry & David stores:

_Marrakesh Pistachios with Pomegranate, Sea Salt and Marash Pepper; 4 ounces; item UPC 8-93869-00587-9; lot codes: Best By 11/13/09 (time of pack) 3 Lot Code 042 9; Best By 11/27/09 (time of pack) 1 Lot Code 054 9; Best By 12/25/09 (time of pack) 2 Lot Code 083 9.

Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks Inc. is recalling Garlic Flavored Pistachio and Jalapeno Flavored Pistachio items. No known illnesses have been reported, according to the company. The recalled products were distributed to retail stores nationwide. For more information, consumers can call 800-459-6420.

This recall includes:

_Garlic Pistachios; UPC 7 09972 80074 7; best by dates: Jan. 5, 2010, through April 1, 2010.

_Jalapeno Pistachios; UPC 7 09972 80097 6; best by dates: Jan. 5, 2010, through April 1, 2010.

The recall includes:

_Ann's House of Nuts Colossal Pistachios; 5-ounce clear bag; UPC 38718 06054; best by 082109 to 011110.

_Ann's House of Nuts Colossal Pistachios; 6-ounce clear bag; UPC 38718 06056; best by 082109 to 011610.

_Ann's House of Nuts Colossal Pistachios; 16-ounce clear bag; UPC 38718 06066; best by 081609 to 011110.

_Ann's House Dry Roasted & Salted In-Shell Pistachios; 9-ounce clear bag; UPC 38718 06023; best if used by AUG292009 to JAN182010.

_Ann's House Roasted & Salted Pistachios; 12-ounce clear bag; UPC 38718 06020; best if used by 11SEP2009 to 18JAN2010.

_Ann's House of Nuts (sold in the company retail outlet store) R/S pistachios; approximate 2-pound twist tie clear bag; sold from Oct. 10, 2008, to March 25, 2009.

_Setton Farms (bulk product sold in institutional cases) Naturally Opened California Pistachios Roasted & Salted 21/25 US Extra No. 1; 25-pound corrugated case; lot numbers: 2648C05LgB-5, 2698D08LgB-1, 2948C08LgB-1, 2948C08LgB-2; sold from Oct. 10, 2008, to March 25, 2009.

Ashdon Farms is recalling certain code dates of 7.5-ounce Girl Scouts pistachios packed in pop top cans. No illnesses have been reported, according to the company. The recalled products will have a code date beginning with 8264A6, 8266B6, 8297A6, 8297B6 or 8318A6 on the bottom of the can. They were distributed by Girl Scout Councils as part of fundraising efforts. All the products were distributed between October and early December 2008, except for product distributed in Northeastern Illinois and Northwestern Indiana in March 2009. The 2008 products were distributed by Girl Scout Councils in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. For more information, consumers can call 800-274-3666.

QSP Inc. is recalling one code date of Pleasantville Farms 7.5 ounce in-shell pistachios packed in pop top cans. No illnesses have been reported, according to the company. The recalled products were distributed nationwide by schools and other organizations as part of fundraising programs. The recall involves Pleasantville Farms 7.5-ounce pistachios packed in pop top cans, UPC 79113-41802, with a best buy date of Oct. 15, 2009.

Eastern Lamejun Bakers Issues Voluntary Recall Of Pistachio Nuts Due To Possible Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Belmont, MA -- April 10, 2009 --- Eastern Lamejun Bakers is conducting a voluntary recall of its 0.75 – 1.00 pound packages of its "Pistachio Nuts California." This voluntary recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure due to the fact that Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella has expanded their recall to include all roasted, shelled and in-shell Pistachio Nuts from the 2008 crop year because they may be contaminated with salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism that 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.

The recalled “Pistachio Nuts California” were sold to retail consumers at the Eastern Lamejun Bakers retail store located at 145 Belmont St, Belmont, MA 02478. The product was packaged in a plastic bag with a twist tie and is labeled as “California Pistachio Nuts, 136” and weighs anywhere between 0.75 and 1.00 pounds.

Eastern Lamejun Bakers has not received any consumer or customer complaints on this product and there have been no reported illnesses associated with this product. The product should not be consumed, but rather returned to the store for a refund or exchange.

Consumers who may have questions or concerns can call Eastern Lamejun Bakers at 617-484-5239.

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Medical Devices

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Diet & Health

Auto Defects

Tainted Pistachios

FDA Serves Warrant for Inspection of Westco Fruit and Nuts Inc.

New Jersey-based company received peanuts implicated in Salmonella outbreak; refused to provide access to records and refused to recall products

Food safety bill introduced after pistachio recall

Los Angeles Business from bizjournals - by Kathy Robertson of the Sacramento Business Journal

Girl Scouts recall cans of pistachios

Pistachio product recalls

Eastern Lamejun Bakers Issues Voluntary Recall Of Pistachio Nuts Due To Possible Health Risk

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