Munchies brand pistachios may contain salmonella bacteria

 

OTTAWA, March 31, 2009 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Frito Lay Canada are warning the public not to consume Munchies brand Pistachios because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. This product contains pistachios which have been recently recalled in the USA by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. due to Salmonella contamination.

The affected product, Munchies brand Pistachios, is sold in 50 g packages, bearing UPC 0 60410 04595 4, and a date between 04AUG09 and 15DEC09. The date is located on the front of each package.

This product has been distributed nationally.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled.

Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

The importer, Frito Lay Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:

Frito Lay Canada Consumer Affairs at 1-800-376-2257 or

CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Salmonella, visit the Food Facts web page.

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Website.