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Salmonella Triggers Pistachio Recall

Huge pistachio recall issued after salmonella found at processor

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 31, 2009 3:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – Consumers have been warned to steer clear of pistachios and any product containing them until the FDA probes the extent of salmonella contamination, reports WebMD. A million pounds of possibly tainted pistachios from a California processor have been recalled and authorities expect that more recalls will follow. Affected products range from trail mix to ice cream.

The contamination—detected during a routine check—is not linked to the recent recall of peanuts, and there have been no reports of widespread illness, according to authorities. "We're not dealing with an outbreak here," an FDA commissioner stressed. "This is a proactive move to recall a contaminated product."

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Pistachio salmanella contamination was caused by a plant's failure to keep roasted pistachios separate from raw ones, according to the FDA. (PRNewsFoto/Paramount Farms; PistachioHealth.Com)

The FDA is urging consumers to avoid pistachio products pending the recall of tainted nuts from a California plant. (©babbagecabbage)

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Our advice to consumers is to avoid eating pistachio products. Just hold onto them to see if they are involved in the recall. - David Acheson, the FDA's associate commissioner for foods

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Salmonella Triggers Pistachio Recall