Please note: New product recalls are frequently announced. Therefore, use
caution even if your pistachio products are not included in the lists below.

Pittsburgh Stores Pulling Pistachio Products

April 01 2009 UPDATE –Federal health officials have warned consumers to avoid pistachio products for fear of Salmonella contamination while they try to pinpoint which foods are affected. Some Pittsburgh stores aren't taking any chances and have pulled products off of their shelves.

A representative from Pennsylvania Macaroni Company in the Strip District said that they normally have bags and barrels of pistachios for sale but removed them this week. Some Giant Eagle and Shop 'n Save stores continue to sell pistachio products but have removed all Setton products, which are the suspected source of the contamination. Likewise, Stamoolis Bros. on Penn Avenue has removed Setton pistachios but has kept others on their shelves.

Pistachios Recalled Amid Salmonella Fears

April 2009

ORIGINAL ALERT – First it was peanuts, now it's pistachios - Salmonella contamination has been found in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio. The federal government has told consumers to avoid eating all pistachio products until the situation has been fully investigated.

The company, based in California, has voluntarily recalled approximately 1 million pounds of its products and has stopped distribution of processed pistachios. The pistachios were used in a number of foods, so it is likely that the recall will affect a number of products and investigators expect that it will take weeks to uncover just how many foods are affected. So far, the following recalls have been announced:

• Frito-Lay in-shell salted pistachios
• Kraft Foods Planters and Back to Nature Products Containing Pistachio Nuts
• The Georgia Nut Company Snack Products Containing Shelled Pistachio Nuts
• John B. Sanfilippo and Son Roasted Salted Inshell Pistachios
• Kroger Shelled Pistachios
• Kar Nut Pistachio Products
• Whole Foods In-Shell Pistachio Nuts

Several illnesses that may be linked to pistachios have been reported. It is not yet known if any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachios are linked to an outbreak. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. The FDA's website contains a complete list of product recalls.