Trader Joe’s cashews have been recalled after an alleged Salmonella contamination, even though company officials insist the risks remain quite low.
The voluntary recall, unfolding across 30 U.S. states, was issued by Heritage International, based in Compton, California, and was revealed in a press release posted by the company on the official website of the Federal Department of Agriculture.
Apparently, while being examined by FDA inspectors as part of a routine test, one batch of Raw Cashew Pieces, commercialized at Trader Joe’s retail units, has tested positive for Salmonella.
Following this discovery, health experts also analyzed numerous other lots as well, but no such pathogens were identified in the rest of the batches.
However, an inquest is still under way in order to identify the source of contamination and ensure that no such incident occurs in the future.
Despite the fact that no one has complained of any health issues after consuming Trader Joe’s cashews, Heritage International has decided to remove all the items that may have been contaminated, to ensure that the safety of its clients isn’t compromised in any way.
After all, an infection with Salmonella can result in various complications, such as meningitis, endocarditis, ostheomyelitis and reactive arthritis (joint pain, discomfort during urination, conjunctivitis).
The bacteria can even be deadly for senior citizens, young kids and people whose immune system is compromised, which is why any such infection should not be treated lightly.
The recall refers to Trader Joe’s cashews that are raw and sold for $4.99, in plastic, non-resealable, 16-ounce bags. The tainted items can be recognized by checking their “best used by” information, appearing on the rear of the package, right above the universal product code.
If the expiration date appears as July 17, 2016, and the lot code is TF4, that means the raw nuts are most likely not fit for consumption.
Therefore, those who have purchased Trader Joe’s cashews that have been confirmed as included in the recall should promptly discard them, and abstain from trying to ingest them, no matter how safe they may appear at first glance.
Alternatively, consumers can take the tainted food items back to the Trader Joe’s shop where they bought them from, in order to benefit from a full refund.
Those who have already consumed Trader Joe’s cashews that may have been contaminated should be on alert regarding the symptoms associated with a Salmonella infection.
These manifestations, which tend to appear in the first 72 hours after contracting the bacteria, consist in the following: abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, bloody diarrhea, chills, migraines and vomiting.
If anyone is experiencing such issues, a health practitioner should be contacted at the earliest, so that the disease can be treated in its first stages.
Customers who wish to receive additional details about the recall involving Trader Joe’s cashews should contact the retail company’s customer relations branch, at 626-599-3817, from Monday to Friday, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PST.
Image Source: The Second Lunch
