The FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced March 30 they are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif.

The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products.

FDA first learned of the problem on March 24, when it was informed by Kraft Foods that its Back To Nature Trail Mix was found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Kraft had identified the source of the contamination to be pistachios from Setton and conducted a recall. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls.

Retail supermarket Fred Meyer and QFC, which are operated by The Kroger Co., are amongst the stores affected by the pistachio product recall. Fred Meyer is reportedly pulling phone data from Fred Meyer Rewards cards to notify customers of the recall.

The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak. The FDA is conducting genetic testing of the samples to pursue all links.

The wide recall of a food source marks the second such action this year. The FDA is working closely with the pistachio industry and recommends that consumers avoid eating pistachio products until further information is available about the scope of affected products.

FDA is maintaining a searchable database of affected products and will continue to update the public.