On March 5th, 2011, DeFranco and Sons of Los Angeles, Calif. issued a voluntary recall in cooperation with the FDA of their bulk and consumer-packaged in-shell hazelnuts and mixed-nut products containing in-shell hazelnuts.
What does this recall mean for you?
DeFranco & Sons is voluntarily recalling in-shell hazelnuts, also called filberts, and mixed nuts containing in-shell hazelnuts that have been linked to seven cases of E. coli O157:H7 in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. These nuts were distributed nationwide and to Canada Nov. 2 to Dec. 22, 2010. The in-shell hazelnuts may have been sold in 2-pound and 4-pound packages of mixed nuts, 1-pound packages containing only in-shell hazelnuts or in open bins of nuts in grocery stores.
What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?
Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) after swallowing the organism, but some illnesses last longer and are more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by stool sample culture. While most people recover within a week, some develop a severe infection. A type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can begin as the diarrhea is improving; this can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and the elderly. Signs and symptoms of HUS may include: fever, abdominal pain, pale skin tone, fatigue and irritability, small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth, decreased urination and swelling of the face, hands, feet, or entire body. Persons who experience these symptoms and believe they are at risk for HUS should seek emergency medical care immediately.
What should you do if you still have some of these products in your household?
Consumers who have purchased bulk in-shell hazelnuts or mixed-nut products containing in-shell hazelnuts should check with the retailer to determine if they are subject to the recall, or throw the nuts away. E. coli O157:H7 can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.Don’t eat recalled in-shell hazelnuts and mixed nuts containing in-shell hazelnuts. Consumers are advised to follow recall instructions and check with the retailer to see if the bulk nuts they purchased are among those being recalled, or throw the product away. Consumers should check the 1-pound, 2 pound and 4-pound products to see if the brand name and “Sell by Date” matches those listed below.
What Does the Product Look Like?
DeFranco & Sons received the in-shell hazelnuts from other suppliers and growers. In some cases, the in-shell hazelnuts were mixed and packaged with other nuts. The products were subsequently distributed nationwide and to Canada. The affected products listed below were distributed between Nov. 2, 2010 and Dec. 22, 2010.
Brand Size Product Sell by Date UPC
Sunripe 1 lb Large Hazelnuts 6/30/11 070533 000167
Sunripe 1 lb Mixed Nuts 6/30/11 070533 000143
Sunripe 2 lbs Mixed Nuts 6/30/11 070533 001003
None – (Sold as “Season’s Greetings” Gift Pack) 4 lbs Mixed Nuts 6/30/11 070533 101024
Sunripe 50 lbs Imperial Mixed Nuts None None
Sunripe
50 lbs
Supreme Mixed Nuts None None
George Packing 50 lbs Hazelnuts Recall applies only to the products distributed by DeFranco & Sons between 11/2/10 to 12/22/10.
The 50-pound bags of in-shell hazelnuts or mixed nuts with in-shell hazelnuts may have been repacked into smaller packages by other firms or sold from bulk containers to consumers.
Where is it Distributed?
The affected nuts may have been sold by retailers nationwide and in Canada.
What is Being Done about the Problem?
The FDA became of aware of the problem in late February and is actively working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health and agricultural agencies in those states where illnesses have occurred to investigate the source of the contamination. The investigation is still ongoing. The FDA is also working with state authorities to take appropriate action to address any product that may be remaining on the market. The FDA has also shared information with Canadian authorities about the problem.
Who Should be Contacted?
Consumers with questions about this recall should contact DeFranco & Sons at 1-800-992-3992 Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time.
The FDA encourages consumers with questions about nut safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD.
