Atlas Walnut Co. of California announced a voluntary recall of walnut halves and pieces due to the risk of Salmonella contamination. The recall was made after Azar Nut Company, which receives product from Atlas, asked U.S. Foodservice to recall the products after a shipment tested positive for Salmonella. No illness have been reported thus far.
Azar reports that their own tests for Salmonella are negative, but they are nevertheless initiating the recall with U.S. Foodservice in an excess of caution. Salmonella is a serious food-borne illness that can be dangerous to the elderly, the young, and the immuno-compromised. Those infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.