After just watching Food, Inc. and ranting in my last post about the pitfalls of our industrialized factory-based food production, here goes another mention to add fuel to the fire. Apparently, our nuts aren’t even safe. A friend forwarded the press release below. If you know anyone who regularly shops at Harris Teeter, and happens to love pine nuts, they may be at risk for salmonella poisoning. Spread the word! – XoXo Raw Girl
Hines Nut Company Announces Recall of Pine Nuts Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Chris Hines or Deborah Hines
214-939-0253
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Dallas, TX, January 15, 2010 – Hines Nut Company has initiated a recall of 270 packages of Pine Nuts, packaged under the brand name Harris Teeter Farmers Market. The Pine Nuts were purchased from Red River Foods in Camarillo, CA, and have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The recalled product was sold in 8 oz foam trays wrapped in cellophane and carry the UPC code 0 72036 88121 0. The Pine Nuts were distributed solely to Harris Teeter Markets in North Carolina. Consumers who purchased this product between December 30, 2009, and January 14, 2010 should contact Hines Nut Company for information on how to return the product for a refund.
There have been no complaints or any reported illnesses related to the products to date.
The problem was discovered through routine sampling by the supplier, Red River Foods.
Consumers with questions may contact Hines Nut Company at 214-939-0253 (M-F, 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM CDT).