Nut Problems Expand

Federal investigators continue to find salmonella bacteria in “critical areas” of Setton Pistachio’s Terra Bella, California plant. As a result, the second-largest pistachio processor in the nation has significantly expanded its recall of nuts. The company is now recalling all lots of roasted in-shell pistachios, roasted shelled pistachios and raw shelled pistachios that were produced from nuts harvested in 2008.

Because Setton supplies about 35 wholesalers and food manufacturers that repackage the nuts for retail sale or use them as ingredients in other products, federal officials said it could take weeks before a comprehensive list of affected products is available. The recall also includes some well-known labels such as Frito-Lay, Planters, Kirkland and the 365 brand sold by Whole Foods Market. A searchable database of recalled consumer products can be found at www.fda.gov.

FDA officials say consumers should not eat pistachios or foods containing the nuts unless they can determine that the nuts are not part of the recall. And wholesalers, retailers and restaurants should not sell products containing pistachios unless they know the source.

FDA is also investigating a sister plant, Setton International Foods, which is based in Commack, New York, on Long Island. That company, which makes chocolate- and yogurt-covered nuts, failed its March 9 inspection by New York state officials, who found cockroaches and rodent droppings in the facility.