The Kane County Health Department is advising residents that the Bellevue, NE, firm of Marathon Ventures, Inc. is voluntarily recalling various retail and bulk packages containing raw macadamia nuts as a precautionary measure because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Although there have been no illnesses or injuries reported to-date affiliated with these products, the items were sold through grocery, food service and other retail outlets throughout the country. Brand names recalled include: Shurefine, Western Family, HyVee, Market Pantry, Pear’s Gourmet, Cash-Wa Distributing, Pegler Sysco. Mayan Gold Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), 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.

The issue was brought to the Company’s attention by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration following routine testing.

Anyone concerned about an injury/illness should contact a physician immediately. Marathon Ventures, Inc. has informed the FDA of its actions and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. Consumers who have purchased the products should not consume them and should return them to the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

Consumers may direct their questions regarding the recalled items to Marathon Ventures, Inc. Customer Service toll-free at 800-828-7688 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or via e-mail at customerservice@marathonventuresinc.com.

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department press release