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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued the highest risk recall alert possible for more than 32,000 pounds of pecan nut products. The recall has been deemed a Class I risk by FDA inspectors – the most severe risk category the agency utilizes.
The recall involves Corsicana, Texas-based Navarro Pecan Holdings, who issued a voluntary recall after FDA inspectors discovered evidence of possible Salmonella contamination at their plant.
The 32,670 pounds of pecan products in question were distributed to bakeries, commercial kitchens, and food factories in five states in the United States including Texas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Jersey. The products were also distributed internationally to Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates.
Why the high alert?
A Class I designation by the FDA is defined as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The brand names associated with the recall include Fancy Small Pecan Pieces, Fancy Medium Pecan Pieces, Fancy Midget Pecan Pieces, Fancy Jr. Mammoth Pecan Halves, Fancy Topper Pecan Halves, Fancy Topper Halves/Medium Pieces Blend, and Fancy Jumbo Pecan Halves.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Foods that are contaminated with Salmonella can spread germs to other foods if they are not kept separated. Unwashed hands, chopping boards, and knives can also spread germs from these foods to other foods.”
Prevention and symptoms of Salmonella
The CDC also points out that food that is contaminated with Salmonella usually looks, tastes, and smells normal. So it is important when cooking to clean your hands, utensils and surfaces, separate your food to prevent cross-contamination, cook your food to the correct temperature, and refrigerate your food items promptly when finished.
Symptoms of Salmonella include watery diarrhea that might contain blood or mucus, stomach cramps that can be severe, headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Complications of Salmonella can include diarrhea for lasting several months and/or the infection spreading to urine, blood, bones, joints, the brain, or other internal organs, causing symptoms related to that body part or system such as arthritis, eye irritation, high blood pressure, endocarditis, and irritable bowel syndrome.