FDA warns of Turkish pine nuts linked to 43 salmonella cases in U.S.

FDA warns of Turkish pine nuts linked to 43 salmonella cases in U.S.

2011-10-29 21:59:47 GMT+7 (ICT)

SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND (BNO NEWS) -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers not to eat Turkish pine nuts purchased from unlabeled plastic bulk containers at Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. and other related items as they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.

In addition to the Turkish pine nuts, the FDA warned consumers not to eat any food items at Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. that may have been prepared using the bulk Turkish pine nuts, such as pesto, salads or baked goods.

Wegmans is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,000 pounds (2,267 kilograms) of Turkish pine nuts sold in the bulk foods department of most Wegmans stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland between July 1 and October 18.

Salmonella Enteritidis is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. It is most dangerous to young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 43 illnesses have been reported in California, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington. No deaths have been reported.

The FDA said consumers who purchased any of these items from bulk bins at Wegmans stores between July 1 and October 18 should not eat these pine nuts and should throw away or return the product to Wegmans for a refund.

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