CDC Announces Recall, Outbreak Linked to Wonderful Pistachios

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections linked to consumption of contaminated pistachios.

The illnesses are connected to pistachio nuts produced by Wonderful Pistachios, located in Lost Hills, California.

The FDA collected product samples of pistachios produced by Wonderful Pistachios in January 2016. Whole Genome Sequencing confirmed the samples were highly related to cases of ill people. Following a conference call with the FDA and the CDC, Wonderful Pistachio began a voluntary recall of its product. The recall has also been posted on the FDA website.

The pistachio nuts being recalled are sold under the brand names Wonderful, Trader Joe’s, and Paramount Farms, and the FDA is working with the firm to facilitate the recall.

Eleven people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 9 states: Alabama (1), Arizona (2), Connecticut (1), Georgia (1), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), North Dakota (1), Virginia (1), and Washington (2).

Two ill people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported at this time.

Potentially contaminated products can be identified by a lot code number that can be found on the lower back or bottom panel of the package. A table of recalled products is available on the official recall notice posted to the company’s website.

Eaten Pistachios? Here are the signs and symptoms of Salmonella:

Most people infected with Salmonella develop the following signs and symptoms 12-72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Abdominal cramps.

Some more severe symptoms may manifest in sick individuals as well, and there is the possibility that those who have contracted the virus may develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a potentially lethal side effect that can involve complete renal failure.

Call Ron Simon at 1-888-335-4901  – the experience of a hemolytic uremic syndrome lawyer.