Salmonella can contaminate pistachio nuts and other foods when animal waste comes into contact with the food. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration linked cases of Salmonella infection to contaminated pistachio nuts. More than 1 million pounds of pistachios were recalled due to the contamination. The illness caused by Salmonella in pistachio nuts results in fever, bloody diarrhea and other symptoms, which may become serious or life-threatening.
History
In the spring of 2009, the FDA recalled more than 1 million pounds of pistachio nuts over Salmonella fears. Scientists now believe that the 2009 contamination resulted from mixing raw nuts contaminated with Salmonella with roasted ones. The FDA assistant commissioner for food safety, David Acheson, explained to ABC News that the roasting process kills the Salmonella bacteria. As a result of this contamination, those who had eaten pistachio nuts reported a handful of Salmonella cases nationwide.
Time Frame
According to the CDC, most people get sick between 12 hours and three days after being exposed to Salmonella, with an illness lasting four to seven days. Because contaminated food may not be discovered for several months, and may still be eaten following the recall, cases of Salmonella illness stemming from a single contaminated source may be spread over several months.
Identification
Salmonellosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella, which is carried in animals' intestines. There are various strains, or serotypes, of Salmonella that may contaminate pistachios. The FDA tests food products for Salmonella bacteria, as do most major food manufacturers. Identification is made with the bacterial DNA, which is matched to a CDC database of known Salmonella strains. It is not possible for those who have eaten food potentially contaminated with Salmonella to positively identify their illness without visiting a health care professional.
Effects
Salmonella, whether contracted from pistachios or from other sources, can cause fever, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Severe and life-threatening complications can occur, particularly in younger or older people or those with compromised immune systems. If you suspect that you have contracted Salmonellosis from pistachio nuts or any other source, visit your doctor immediately for treatment.
Prevention/Solution
To avoid being exposed to Salmonella from pistachios, do not eat any pistachios that have been part of a recall. Acheson advised consumers to avoid eating pistachio products during active recall, such as the spring 2009 Salmonella scare. Avoid mixing raw pistachios with roasted ones, as this may be a contributing factor to Salmonella contamination.
After you have eaten potentially contaminated pistachio nuts, there is no known way to prevent infection with Salmonella. If you have contracted Salmonellosis from pistachios, drink plenty of fluid to counteract the effects of diarrhea. The CDC recommends visiting your doctor if you have diarrhea persisting more than three days, bloody diarrhea, or a fever over 101.5 degrees.
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