Shelled Hazelnuts Recalled Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

December 18, 2009

DENVER-The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today announced that Willamette Shelling of Newberg, Ore., is recalling 114,350 pounds of shelled hazelnuts nationwide because of potential contamination with Salmonella. Unshelled hazelnuts are not affected.

In Colorado, the recalled hazelnuts were sold by Mountain Man Nuts and Fruits Co. via the Internet, stores and sales distributors. Additionally, the product was distributed in Colorado to a variety of retail firms for bulk sale, including Whole Food Markets, Ft. Collins Food Co-op, Mountain Mama Natural Foods in Colorado Springs, and Healthy Solutions, in Denver. All firms receiving recalled product have reportedly been notified, and the product is being pulled from shelves.

For a list of recalled products, click "Read more..." below.

The following products and lot codes are being recalled:

• Filberts, 289091A, 299091A
• Natural Mixed Nuts, 32009, 33809
• Fancy Mixed Nuts, 8- and 16-oz. bags, 30909, 31309, 31709, 32009, 32309, 32909, 33509, 33709 34209, 34309, 34809, 34909 35009
• Choice Mixed Nuts, 16-oz. bags, 31309, 32709, 33609, 34909
• Dry Roast Mixed Nuts,16-oz. bags, 30909
• Sweet SimplicityTM Trail Mix, 32909
• Mountain Jubilee® Trail Mix, 8- and 16-oz. bags, 31309, 32409, 33709, 34909
• Cinnamon Almond AppleancheTM Trail Mix, 31009
• Fancy Mixed Nut Gift Packs, 1.75 lb., all product, except 35009
• Fancy Mixed Nut Gift Packs, 1 lb., all product, except 35009

Product with these lot codes also could be present as a component in some gift baskets, including the 12 Tastes Basket, Bounty Basket and Half-Pound Sample Baskets.

Consumers are advised to return the recalled product to place of purchase for replacement or refund. No illnesses to date have been identified as a result of the recall.                                    

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people 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.

The recall was initiated after Willamette Shelling conducted quality testing on the canned products and Salmonella was found on one production lot. The company is investigating the issue and will resume production and shipment of the product when it has been resolved. Consumers with questions may contact Ben Mitchell at 503-538-9256, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST.