The Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Public Health are investigating a possible Salmonella contamination of pistachio nuts sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Incorporated.
Setton, a California company, is the second-largest producer of pistachios in the U.S.
According to Seattle’s local television station, King5.com, the FDA is warning consumers to avoid eating pistachios or foods that contain the nuts until the investigation provides definitive proof as to source of the contamination.
The FDA reports that the contamination is not limited to just one strain of Salmonella.
The Salmonella bacteria is a food borne illness which can sicken people with symptoms of stomach cramps, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and fever. Usually, symptoms are gone within 7-10 days. However, in the elderly and frail, young children and babies and those with compromised immune symptoms, Salmonella can cause serious illness if it gets into the blood stream including arthritis, endocarditis, arterial infections and even death.
The roasting of nuts should kill Salmonella if it is done properly but the nuts can become contaminated after roasting by mice, rats or birds reports King5.
For more information, see What is FDA Advising Consumers Regarding Pistachios and Pistachio Products.
If you or a loved one has serious illness due to food borne illness, you should contact a personal injury law firm with experience in this area of law. The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience in representing victims of food poisoning and food borne illness. With our help, you may be able to obtain compensation for your medical costs and for pain and suffering.
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