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Hazelnut Kernels Recalled For Potential Salmonella Contamination

Problem exposed in routine FDA inspection

December 18, 2009
An Oregon grower is recalling between 32,950 and 100,000 pounds of hazelnut kernels because of a salmonella scare.

Kunze Farms of Dayton, Oregon says the nuts have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

When Food and Drug Administration inspectors visited the plant for a routine inspection, their sampling turned up evidence of salmonella. The problem was traced to the company that processes the hazelnuts for Kunze Farms.

The company has stopped the production and distribution of the product as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Hazelnut kernels were distributed to several different processors and wholesalers in the following areas: Dayton, OR; Milton-Freewater, OR; Hauppauge, NY; Mesa, AZ; Cottonwood, AZ; Seattle, WA; Ogden, UT; San Antonio, TX.; and Parker, CO.

The product was packed in 25 pound cartons, under the product brand name of Kunze Farms, "Select Shelled Hazelnuts," Dayton, Oregon with the code numbers 289091A or 299091A.

Consumers who have purchased the select shelled hazelnuts packed by Kunze Farms in Dayton, Oregon are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Kurt Kunze at (503) 864-2102, Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the past few years, nuts of all types have been the source of salmonella poisoning. Peanuts were a key source of the problem in the recent outbreaks involving PCA peanut butter and ConAgra peanut butter. There was a large pistachio recall early in 2009.

Health officials expressed particular concern at the timing of this latest recall since hazelnuts are often used in holiday baking.

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