Wonderful Pistachio Recall Issued After Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 11

A multi-state Salmonella outbreak has been linked to pistachio nuts, which were sold under the “Wonderful”, “Paramount Farms” and “Trader Joes” brands, causing 11 confirmed illnesses across nine states, including at least two cases of food poisoning that resulted in hospitalization. 

A Wonderful Pistachio recall was issued on March 9, 2016, after collaborative efforts from state and federal health regulators identified the nuts sold in various package sizes as the probable source of the salmonella food poisoning.

According to the officials, the FDA began receiving reports of salmonella illnesses beginning on December 12, 2015 and received a total of 11 confirmed instances of infections by February 9, 2016 that are believed to be consistent with the same strain of the bacteria. The FDA has been collaborating with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has posted an outbreak update page.

According to the CDC data there have been two illnesses each in Arizona and Washington state, and one illness each in Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Virginia.

During the traceback investigation, the individuals interviewed reported eating pistachios within the week of their illness onset, and 63% of those interviewed reported eating Wonderful Pistachio brand pistachios specifically. Samples collected from the fields and plant at Paramount Farms, where Wonderful brand pistachios are grown, contained the same strain of Salmonella Montevideo that afflicted the victims.

Wonderful Pistachio recalled several flavors and sizes of in-shell and shelled pistachio products due to the risk of salmonella contamination.

The recalled pistachio products were distributed through several retailers, food companies and manufacturers nationwide and in Canada, Mexico and Peru. The products were sold under brand names Wonderful, Paramount Farms, and Trader Joe’s. The recalled packages can be identified by a 13-digit lot code number that is located on the lower back or bottom of the package. For a full list of recalled pistachio products please visit the recall notice linked above.

Salmonella infections can cause mild to severe health consequences depending upon the individual. The bacteria may cause a healthy person to experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain whereas the young or elderly with weakened immune systems may face more severe consequences, including fatal infections. In some reported cases, Salmonella infections in pregnant women have been known to cause still births and miscarriages. Occasionally, salmonella infections may travel through the bloodstream and produce illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

The investigation is still ongoing and FDA officials believe that more illnesses may be reported within the coming weeks. The average time it takes for a sickened individual with salmonella to report the illness is two to four weeks.

Customers are being asked to stop consuming the recalled pistachio products immediately and return them for a full refund by sending the product back to Wonderful Pistachios at 13646 Hwy 33, Lost Hills, California 93249. Customers may also return the product to the store of purchase for a full refund, but are being asked to discard the nuts from the packaging before bringing them into the store. Customers with questions may contact Wonderful Pistachios at 844-505-3844.