Pistachios may have salmonella

While investigating two people who called the FDA complaining of gastrointestinal illness that could be associated with the nuts, the link hasn't been confirmed. FDA said central California-based Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., the nation's second-largest pistachio processor, was voluntarily recalling its pistachio products. Potentially contaminated products may have been sold in 31 states so far. It will "take weeks to figure out how many products" could be affected, said Jeff Farrar, chief of the Food and Drug Branch of the California Department of Public Health.

Salmonella bacteria is the most common cause of food borne illness and typiically causes diarrhea, fever and cramping. The infection can be life-threatening for children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. I want to stress that the recall is voluntary, and that both roasted products and frozen products containing pistachio (ice cream) are likely safe to eat because the processing/storage of these foods kills salmonella. Infection is unlikely.