http://www.care2.com/greenliving/new-salmonella-outbreak-pistachios.html
New Salmonella Outbreak: Pistachios
Time to break out the salmonella-free peanuts and toss the pistachios. Breaking news from the FDA alerts us that, in tandem with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), it is investigating salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, the nation’s second-largest pistachio processor. The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately one million pounds of its products. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls.
The contamination involves multiple strains of salmonella, a bacteria which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios. It is not yet known whether any of the salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak. The FDA is conducting testing of the samples to pursue all links. The agency said it is working closely with the pistachio industry and recommends that consumers avoid eating pistachio products until further information is available about the scope of affected products.
According to news reports, the FDA first learned of the problem on March 24, when it was informed by Kraft Foods that its Back To Nature Trail Mix was found to be contaminated with salmonella. Kraft had identified the source of the contamination to be pistachios from Setton and conducted a recall.
To find out which products could be affected, check out the FDA’s searchable database at www.fda.gov.
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8 comments
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Kabin
Konteyner
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why is this inappropriate?
How did the salmonella get in there in the first place? It must have come along after the roasting process, right? Wouldn't roasting destroy it? If that is the case, then it almost seems like it might have been intentionally introduced. Unless they are just really sloppy or something.
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why is this inappropriate?
Raw almonds don’t exist in California already even though the package says they are. You read right. They are still gassed or irradiated. Talk about misrepresentation! Are they going to do that to all the other nuts? That would be nuts.
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Sorry in advance for the cynicism, but I'd risk a bout of Salmonellosis any day (and I do) by eating raw tomatoes, pistachios and spinach (no peanuts for me thanks) rather than resort to eating processed food that's somehow "immune" from this bacteria. Must be that any self-respecting bacteria wouldn't be caught dead living in the "stuff" none of us can pronounce.
Furthermore as the article states subtly that only those with weakened immune systems are really at risk.
Plus, is this merely a ploy to justify irradiation of raw natural foods I wonder ~
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It comes from feces of infected animals and humans that don't wash their hands. People get it from eating an animal or eggs or something else that has the virus, like undercooked meats and eggs because the animals have it, where the meat and eggs come from, or if we eat peanut butter or other things that are contaminated and we spread it to other people. If you touch a reptile or bird, etc. you are suppose to wash your hands after cause many are know to carry the bacteria. You should always wash your hands and be careful what you eat and watch for news updates of what is contaminated now, so you don't get sick.
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why is this inappropriate?
The salmonella comes from dirty human hands, rats and uncleaned machines and other sources, like birds.
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why is this inappropriate?
Where does the salmonella come from? Birds?
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Shop your local farmers markets for uncontaminated products! Local and fresh the best way to go.
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