Pistachios recalled in U.S. due to salmonella risk

By Martinne Geller

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A California nut grower and processor issued a nationwide recall of pistachios on Tuesday due to possible salmonella contamination, and authorities said consumers should avoid all pistachio products until more information was available.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said several illnesses had been reported that may be associated with the contaminated pistachios. The FDA said it and the California Department of Public Health were investigating the matter.

The FDA said it first learned of the problem on March 24, when Kraft Foods Inc informed the agency that Back To Nature trail mix was contaminated. Kraft had identified the source of the contamination as Setton.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

The recalled nuts were shipped on or after September 1, 2008, by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. The FDA said the recall would likely include many products in which pistachios were used as ingredients.

Last week, Kraft recalled Back To Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix containing pistachio nuts, and grocery chain Kroger Co recalled its Private Selection shelled pistachios, which are sold at its various chains.

Kraft said on Tuesday that it was recalling almost two dozen products under the Planters and Back to Nature brands supplied by Setton after September 1.

Setton also provides the pistachios sold in Wal-Mart Stores Inc's Sam's Choice private brand of pistachios.