Date: Sun, 23 May 2004 02:41:26 -0400 (EDT)
From: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: PRO/EDR> Salmonella, almonds - worldwide recall

SALMONELLA, ALMONDS - WORLDWIDE RECALL
**************************************

A ProMED-mail post <http://www.promedmail.org> ProMED-mail is a program
of the International Society for Infectious Diseases <http://www.isid.org>

[1] Date: 22 May 2004 From: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> Source:
FDA News, P04-59, 21 May 2004 [edited]
<http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01072.html>

FDA issues alert on additional recalled stocks of Paramount Farms raw
almonds
- ----------------------------------------------

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising
distributors, wholesalers, and consumers that a recall of raw almonds
due to reports of _Salmonella enteriditis_ that was announced by
Paramount Farms, Lost Hills, CA, on 18 May 2004 has expanded.

Before eating any raw almonds having a "best before" date of 21 Aug 2004
or later, consumers are advised to check with the store where they
purchased the product to see whether the almonds came from Paramount
Farms. FDA has learned that Paramount Farms distributed the recalled
almonds in bulk or packaged nationwide to brokers, distributors and
grocery store chains, which in turn sold the almonds to consumers in
various package sizes and with various brand names. The almonds were
also distributed to Mexico, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, France,
England, and Italy.

The almonds have the potential to be contaminated with _Salmonella
enteriditis_, 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. Consumers who are experiencing symptoms that could be
salmonellosis should consult their health care providers or their local
health department.

Paramount Farms announced a limited recall on 18 May 2004 of whole
natural raw almonds sold under the Kirkland Signature, Trader Joe's and
Sunkist brands. FDA, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
and state health and agriculture departments are aware of about 18
reports of Salmonella enteriditis_ infection possibly related to the
consumption of the almonds now under recall. FDA continues to work with
CDC and state and local agencies to investigate the source of this
outbreak. Individuals who have purchased the recalled raw almonds should
not consume them but instead return them to the place of purchase for a
full refund.

The almonds may be sold under other unknown brand names. Media
Inquiries: 301-827-6242 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
******

[2] Date: 22 May 2004 From: Alfonso Rodriguez <[log in to unmask]>
Source: Australian Broadcasting Company [edited]
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1113764.htm>

US FDA extends almond salmonella warning
- ----------------------------------------

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended a recall of raw
almonds, warning batches of raw California almonds contaminated with
salmonella may have been shipped around the world.

The almonds came from Paramount Farms in Lost Hills, California and were
shipped to Mexico, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, France, Britain and
Italy, the FDA says.

[The report continues, giving the same information as in [1]. - Mod.SH]
******

[3] Date: 22 May 2004 From: Alfonso Rodriguez <[log in to unmask]>
Source: Yahoo News Mexico [trans. by Mod.MPP] [edited]
<http://mx.news.yahoo.com/040522/7/17ecr.html>

Secretary of Health recalls almonds contaminated with salmonella
- -----------------------------------

The Secretariat of Health through the Federal Commission for Protection
Against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) recalled raw almonds under the brand
Kirkland Signature, for reasons of contamination with salmonella bacteria.

In a communication, he explained that the product was imported from the
United States and sold in Mexico in the Cosco chain.

Communications were sent to Wal-Mart of Mexico and the National
Association of Self-service stores and Department Stores AC (ANTAD), who
were informed of the recall and details of the contaminated product. The
recall was made by the Paramount Farms Company, who produce the *
Kirkland almonds, in addition to [almonds] with brand names * Trader
Joe's and * Sunkist. The company notified the Food and Drug
Administration of the United States of the contamination after they had
reports of 7 cases of people infected with the salmonella bacteria.
- --

ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]>

A reminder that we now live in a global village with extensive import
and export of food products. Recalls of contaminated food products in
one country clearly have importance to other countries in our current
environment. - Mod.MPP

see also:
Salmonella, almonds - USA (multistate): recall 20040519.1336

......................mpp/pg/sh
------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask]
In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn