Setton Farms of California is recalling pistachios produced at their facility after September 1, 2008

Setton Farms of California is recalling pistachios produced at their facility after September 1, 2008 (approximately one million pounds). Setton is a major supplier of pistachios to wholesalers and further manufacturers so the products containing these pistachios may not be obvious. Setton is working with FDA and California Department of PH to determine which pistachio-containing products are subject to the recall. The pistachios are contaminated with multiple strains of Salmonella and at this time we do not know if any illnesses are linked to consumption of products containing these pistachios. There has been no major outbreak linked to these products.

The company recall announcement for both bulk and retail-packed pistachios is available at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/setton03_09.html
The text of the announcement is inserted below.

FDA has given the following advice to consumers: "At this time, FDA recommends that consumers avoid eating any products containing pistachios. These products should not be thrown out until additional information is available regarding specific products that are subject to the recall."

The FDA announcement is available at: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01982.html
The text of the FDA announcement is inserted below.

FDA has notified the media of this recall. A replay of the FDA call with the media is available at 866-419-2883.

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. Announces Nationwide Recall of Pistachios Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:Fabia D’Arienzo540-668-7665
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Terra Bella, CA (March 30, 2009) – Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. announced today that it is voluntarily recalling from nationwide distribution specific lots of bulk roasted shelled pistachios and 2,000 lbs., 1,700 lbs., 1,800 lbs. and 1,000 lbs. tote bags of roasted inshell pistachios sold to wholesale customers due to potential contamination with the Salmonella organism.
This voluntary recall affects certain bulk roasted inshell and roasted shelled pistachios shipped on or after September 1, 2008. The bulk product was distributed throughout the United States. The Company is voluntarily taking this precautionary measure after learning that a small amount of roasted shelled pistachios processed by Setton Pistachio and received by a commercial customer in late 2008 recently tested positive for Salmonella. This voluntary recall is not in any way related to the recent recalls associated with peanuts or peanut butter.
The Company is asking those firms who received bulk product and have further processed, repackaged, or distributed the affected products to recall those products and contact FDA.
In addition, the company is voluntarily recalling the following retail product: Setton Farms brand roasted salted shelled pistachios in 9 oz. film bags, UPC Code: 034325020252 with a "Best Before" date between 01/06/10 and 01/19/10. This product was distributed in the following states: SC, GA, FL, NC, VA, TN, KY. Consumers should not consume this product and should return what they may have to the place of purchase for a full refund. Setton has established a toll free number, (888) 228-3717, for consumers to call for further information.
Salmonella 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.
This is the first ever pistachio recall for Setton Pistachio, which has been selling pistachios for more than 13 years.Setton Pistachio is committed to quality products and consumer safety, and is taking aggressive action to prevent the need for any future recalls of its products.