FDA released three recall notices for walnuts after FDA testing found a sample positive for Listeria at the supplier, Golden State Foods. Walnuts from California, were sold in MO, KS, and IL.
Walnuts would not be considered high risk for Listeria - walnuts are shelf stable - dry (low moisture) are stored at ambient temperatures. It is unlikely that Listeria would support the growth of Listeria, but if walnuts were used an ingredient in a higher moisture product, such as a salad, then the walnuts could be a source of Listeria.
It is hard to tell why walnuts were tested in the first place outside the fact that it may be used as an ingredient in a moister refrigerated RTE product.
What we don't know was the level of contamination on the walnuts to start. Generally absence/presence testing is done. Do the level of contamination may have been low and thus the associated risk would be low. According the FDA Risk Assessment for Listeria , there would be very low risk, even for susceptible populations, when the contamination rate is less than 100 CFU/meal. Certainly testing will be able to detect below this level
FDA Recall Notices
Sherman Produce Recalls Bulk and Packaged
Walnuts Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm398734.htm
Contact Consumer: 314-231-2896
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 21, 2014 - St. Louis-based Sherman Produce is voluntarily recalling walnuts comprising of 241 cases of bulk walnuts packaged in 25 lb bulk cardboard boxes and Schnucks brand 10 oz trays with UPC 00338390032 with best by dates 03/15 and 04/15 because the products are potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
These products were sold to retailers in MO and IL from March – May 2014.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall was initiated after FDA sampling detected Listeria monocytogenes in walnuts sampled at the facility. All walnuts processed in the facility during the same timeframe as the product found positive are being recalled.
Consumers who have purchased walnuts are urged not to consume them. Consumers are advised to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions may call Sherman Produce at 314-231-2896, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST weekdays.
Belleville Farmer’s Market Recalls Shelled Walnuts Because of Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm398733.htm
ContactConsumer: 618-235-9500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 23, 2014 - Belleville Farmer’s Market of Belleville, IL is recalling its packages of Shelled Walnuts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The recalled Shelled Walnuts were distributed in our Belleville retail stores.
The product comes in an 8 ounce, clear plastic package marked with a Farmer’s Market label indicating pack dates from March 2014 through May 2014.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after FDA sampling detected Listeria monocytogenes in walnuts sampled from a supplier. All walnuts processed in the supplier’s facility during the same timeframe as the product found positive are being recalled.
Consumers who have purchased 8 ounce packages of Shelled Walnuts are urged to return them to 1901 N. Belt West for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-618-235-9500.
Sun Tree LLC Recalls 12oz Packaged California Grown Shelled Walnuts Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm398734.htm
Contact Glen Kerby Consumer: 623-707-5604
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 23, 2014 - Sun Tree LLC is voluntarily recalling walnuts comprising of 46 cases of 24 count 12oz produce bags, California Grown Shelled Walnuts, Lot No. 42720, Best by 12/11/2014 UPC code, 69887507806, because it has been determined that there is a possibility of contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
These products were sold to retailers in Kansas City KS in March of 2014.
No illnesses or customer complaints have been reported to date.
The voluntary recall was initiated after FDA sampling detected Listeria monocytogenes in walnuts from a California supplier, Golden State Foods, that also supplied the walnuts that were packed for retail in Kansas City, KS. Even though third party lab testing of product packed did not reveal any harmful pathogen, in cooperating with FDA and for care of our customers we are participating in this voluntary recall. All walnuts processed in the facility during the same timeframe as the product found positive are being recalled to ensure the highest degree of public safety.
Consumers who have purchased walnuts are urged not to consume them. Consumers are advised to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions may call Glen Kerby at (623)-707-5604, 8:30a.m. to 5 p.m. CST weekdays.
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