Testing for Salmonella Leads to Texas Nut Recall
Boerne-based food and nut producer Texas Star Nut and Food Co., Inc. has issued a voluntary recall to their Nature’s Eats Natural Macadamia Nuts because there is a possibility that some of them were contaminated with Salmonella
The products subject to recall were sold only in H-E-B grocery stores throughout Texas, where they were sold between Dec. 30, 2014 and March 20, 2015. They are marked with lot code #31435001 and a “Best Before 12/23/2015” date, located at the bottom of the package’s nutritional label on the back.
The company initiated the voluntary recall in the wake of a report they received from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) saying that a random sample of the Nature’s Eats Natural Macadamia Nut product had been tested and showed the presence of the Salmonella bacteria. The sampling was part of a routine program conducted by the FDA to try to spot contamination of common foodborne contaminants.
Salmonella contamination is one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the country. Food usually becomes contaminated when food is handled improperly somewhere along the food chain, from the production level or later, and the food comes into contact with human or animal feces carrying the bacteria.
While many who get sick after coming in contact with Salmonella bacteria only suffer minor symptoms, such as an upset stomach or a couple of days of diarrhea, for many others the illness can be far more serious, especially for very small children, the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
For those people, a Salmonella infection can result in far more serious symptoms , including fever, body aches, vomiting and severe diarrhea, which can also be bloody at times. These can last for days or weeks and may even lead to severe dehydration, or more serious symptoms like swelling in the eyes, urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or even typhoid fever.
To date, no illnesses have been linked to the product, but consumers are being urged to refrain from eating these nuts and to return them to H-E-B for a full refund. The company has stopped producing and distributing this product and are working with the FDA to investigate the cause of the problem.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, see a doctor immediately, because a salmonella infection should not be taken lightly. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection, please contact the Texas Food Poisoning Lawyer at Hill Law Firm as soon as possible, because they have the experience and knowledge to get those companies that produce food take your case seriously and protect your rights.