Wirth's Nutcracker Sweet Initiates Voluntary Recall Of Pistachios Sold In Michigan Because Of Possible Risk To Health

The US FDA has issued a press release to confirm that; "Wirth's Nutcracker Sweet of Sanford, MI is voluntarily recalling 258 of their 2-lb holiday party trays containing roasted and salted pistachios in the shell because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. The party trays were distributed for fundraising by Kiwanis Clubs in Michigan (Alma, Bay City, Midland and Saginaw) and were shipped in November and December 2008.

The recalled pistachios were packaged as part of a 2-lb party tray, which also contains cashews, deluxe mixed nuts, chocolate covered peanut clusters and pecan caramel candy. The 2-lb party tray is a round, clear plastic, 6-compartment container with pistachios in one of the compartments. The tray label states Wirth's Nutcracker Sweets and 2 pounds – there is no product name or UPC code on the tray. None of the other products in the tray are affected by the problem.Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc. notified Wirth's that the pistachios are being recalled because they were purchased from Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., who voluntarily recalled them due to possible contamination with salmonella.Wirth's Nutcracker Sweet has received no complaints or reports of any illness related to this product, or any other products".

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