Pistachio Growers and Processors Provide Important Facts About Recall

The growers and processors not involved in this recall believe their products are safe. FDA recommends that consumers avoid eating pistachio products and set them aside until further information is available.

01/04/09 The Western Pistachio Association has released important information and clarification related to the recently announced recall of pistachios.

1. The pistachio recall involves a single processor. Setton Farms of Terra Bella, Calif., which voluntarily initiated this action, is the only processor involved in the recall. There are no current indications that pistachios processed outside of the Setton Farms facility are affected by this recall. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is providing a searchable database of affected products at http://www.fda.gov/pistachios/ and will continue to update that site.

2. The growers and processors not involved in this recall believe their products are safe. FDA recommends that consumers avoid eating pistachio products and set them aside until further information is available. The FDA has not suggested that consumers or retailers return or dispose of pistachio products.

3. FDA reports that there have been no illnesses tied to pistachios. The pistachio recall is precautionary and is not related to recent recalls of peanut products linked to a salmonella outbreak.

4. Growers and processors are continuing efforts to ensure the safety of their current inventories. As a further precautionary measure, growers and processors are committed to continuing testing of pistachio shipments going forward.

5. Processors follow stringent quality control procedures using advanced testing technology. These measures have contributed to the industry's excellent track record of producing high-quality products that are wholesome and healthy.

6. Pistachio growers and processors are cooperating with health authorities. The health and safety of consumers is the industry's number-one priority. The industry is committed to working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Public Health to address any questions about pistachio safety.

Western Pistachio Association will continue to update information as it becomes available through its Web site at www.westernpistachio.org.