Botticelli Foods has initiated a recall of the bettergoods brand Pistachio Nut Butter due to the detection of salmonella in three jars during routine testing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the product is exclusively distributed by Walmart.
This year, numerous alerts and recalls have emerged, addressing issues such as foodborne illness, contamination, and undeclared allergens. Recently, over 360,000 pounds of turkey bacon products were recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The FDA highlights nine major food allergens in the U.S., including eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts, and peanuts. Food sensitivities and allergies are prevalent among millions of Americans.
Walmart emphasized their commitment to safety when addressing the recall, stating they swiftly remove affected products from stores and prevent sales both in-store and online. They are collaborating closely with their supplier to ensure customer safety, advising consumers to cease usage of the product.
The FDA alert specifies the distribution of the affected pistachio nut butter across 19 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming.
The product comes in a 6.7-ounce glass jar, marked with lot code LB028ACP04 and UPC number 194346207961, expiring on January 28, 2027. The alert clarifies that no other lots of bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter are affected.
No illnesses or injuries have been reported as of Monday, according to the FDA. Consumers are advised to return the product to the purchase location for a refund and refrain from consumption. Queries can be directed to the company via email at [email protected] or phone at 631-543-7000, Ext. 203 during business hours.
Understanding Salmonella
Salmonella consists of bacteria that lead to salmonellosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states infection occurs primarily through contaminated food, though it can also spread via contaminated water or contact with infected animals or environments. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with an estimated 1.35 million infections annually in the U.S.
The bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter recall was initiated after routine testing in Florida identified salmonella contamination in three jars. While anyone can contract salmonella, certain groups face higher risks, including children under 5, adults over 65, international travelers, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Below is a graphic depicting the states affected by the recall:
Recent Cyclospora Concerns
The recall aligns with current challenges from foodborne illnesses, such as a cyclospora outbreak linked to tainted produce. Cyclospora is a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, spreading through contaminated food and leading to symptoms like diarrhea and dehydration. The outbreak has impacted thousands and is linked to two deaths in Michigan, where underlying health conditions may have been exacerbated by the infection, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.