Seven cases of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota have been linked to the voluntary recall of bulk and consumer-packaged in-shell hazelnuts and other hazelnut-containing products distributed by DeFranco & Sons, Los Angeles, California, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) informs. If you have bought bulk in-shell hazelnuts or mixed nut products with in-shell hazelnuts in them, check with the retailer to find out whether they form part of this recall, or throw them away, the FDA adds.

The products have been tied to seven E. coli O157:H7 cases in three states. They were distributed throughout the USA as well as Canada between 2nd November and 22nd December 2010.

The affected products may have been sold in:

  • In-shell hazelnuts – 2lbs and 4lbs packages of mixed nuts
  • 1lb packages containing just in-shell hazelnuts or open bins of nuts (from grocery stores)

E. coli is one of the bacteria that line the gut of animals and humans. It is also present in undercooked or raw beef, milk and contaminated water. The majority of E. coli strains are harmless. E. coli 0157:H7, however, can cause food poisoning.

In order to confirm infection a sample of the patient’s stool (feces) needs to be tested.

Experts say the main source of infections are usually cattle.

Infection can spread as a result of eating tainted food, especially from undercooked meats, or raw vegetables that have been in contact with contaminated water, drinking untreated dairy products, and being in contact with infected animals.

Signs and symptoms of E. coli poisoning may include:

Symptoms generally appear from 1 to 3 days after ingesting the bacteria, the illness can last from two to eight days. In some cases illnesses may last longer and be severe.

As the diarrhea improves there is a risk of developing HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome) and kidney failure, especially if the individual is very young, elderly, or has a weakened immune system. HUS is a condition in which the red blood cells break up (hemolysis). The blood cells responsible for clotting – platelets – clump together within the kidney’s small blood vessels; blood flow is reduced, resulting in kidney failure. Signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain, pallor, fatigue, irritability, swelling of the face (hands, feet or whole body), reduced urination, small and unexpected bruises, bleeding from the mouth and/or nose, and fever.

The FDA is telling purchasers not to eat the in-shell hazelnuts or mixed nuts with in-shell hazelnuts in them.

In a communiqué, the FDA wrote:

“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.”

Description of products in this recall:

  • (Brand) Sunripe, 1 lb, Large Hazelnuts, (sell-by-date) 6/30/11, (UPC) 070533 000167
  • (Brand) Sunripe, 1 lb, Mixed Nuts, (sell-by-date) 6/30/11, (UPC) 070533 000143
  • (Brand) Sunripe, 2 lbs, Mixed Nuts, (sell-by-date) 6/30/11, (UPC) 070533 001003
  • (Brand) None (Sold as “Season’s Greetings” Gift Pack), 4 lbs, Mixed Nuts, (sell-by-date) 6/30/11, (UPC) 070533 101024
  • Sunripe, 50 lbs, Imperial Mixed Nuts, (no sell by date or UPC number)
  • (Brand) Sunripe, 50 lbs, Supreme Mixed Nuts (no sell by date or UPC number)
  • (Brand) George Packing, 50 lbs (no sell by date or UPC number)

This recall applies only to the products distributed by DeFranco & Sons between 11/2/10 to 12/22/10.

The FDA says it was told about this problem at the end of February and is actively liaising with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and several public health and agricultural agencies in affected states. There is an investigation underway.

If you have any questions regarding this recall you can call this DeFranco & Sons telephone number: 1-800-992-3992 (Monday to Friday from 2pm to 4pm Pacific time).

Source: FDA

Written by Christian Nordqvist