CREDIT: FDA

The Kane County Health Department is advising residents that Superior Nut & Candy Co., Inc., of Chicago, is recalling 4 ounce packages of Pine Nuts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product but it was distributed nationwide in retail stores.

The product comes in 4-ounce packages and is sold in store produce departments with a clear package front and tan-colored label on the back.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the FDA revealed the presence of Salmonella in a 4 ounce package. Production of the pine nuts has been suspended while the FDA and Superior Nut & Candy continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail and elderly people, and other with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Customers who have purchased any 4 ounce packages of pine nuts are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Customer Relations at (630) 254-7900 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department press release