Vietnamese Cashews Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

The Hemisphere Group Inc. of Smithtown, NY, is recalling 14,000 lbs. of Vietnamese LP Cashews because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. (LP is a grade of cashews meaning “lightly blemished pieces.”) The firm has not received any reports of illnesses to date.

The Vietnamese Cashews being recalled were distributed to direct customers in Kalamazoo, Michigan; North Billerica, Massachusetts; Maspeth, New York, and Quebec and Scarborough, Canada. The direct customers were instructed to notify their accounts if the cashews had been distributed and to return them to The Hemisphere Group.

The recall was initiated as a result of a routine sampling program by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which revealed that the finished product was contaminated with the bacteria. The company has ceased the distribution of the product while FDA and the company continue to investigate what caused the problem.

The following product is being recalled:

Product: Vietnamese LP Cashew Kernels (shelled)
Net Weight: 50 lbs. bulk cartons
Packer: Hong Duc Company Limited
FDA No.: 16153193186 (on carton)
Hemisphere Code No. P95497

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Vietnamese LP Cashews are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact The Hemisphere Group Inc. at 1-800-339-8846, ext. 32, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.

Salmonella bacteria 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 (e.g., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. More information about Salmonella is available here.

from Food Safety News » Food Recalls http://ift.tt/1eMeUpm