By Rita Colorito on October 28, 2011 in
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., has issued a recall of 5,000 pounds of Turkish pine nuts sold in bulk because they've been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 42 people in six states, according to an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two people have been hospitalized as a result.
The recall details
The pine nuts were sold in the bulk foods department of Wegmans grocery stores in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia in between July 1 and October 18, according to a release on Wegmans' website. Other pine nuts sold at Wegmans are not affected by this recall.
The CDC investigation reports a total of 42 people in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania had fallen ill after eating the nuts; 26 of those sickened were in New York.
What's the problem?
If ingested, salmonella can cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness that can make you sick to your stomach, and can even be fatal to those with vulnerable immune systems. Symptoms include lethargy, fever, headaches, chills, vomiting, abdominal cramps, muscle pain, loss in appetite, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food, and can last four to seven days. While most folks manage fine without treatment, it will take several months for your bowels to bounce back to normal, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Because of their immature immune symptoms, infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of salmonellosis. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are also at higher risk for serious illness.
What should you do?
Wegmans has placed automated phone calls to customers who purchased the Turkish pine nuts using their Shoppers Club card alerting them about the recall. Consumers can return the pine nuts to any Wegmans store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Wegmans consumer affairs department at 1(800) WEGMANS (934-6267) Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.
As with any recalled food product, don't eat it and make sure to dispose of it properly. If you've already eaten the product, watch for symptoms, and contact your doctor right away if you develop any. Seek medical assistance immediately, say experts, if you become seriously dehydrated.
