Salmonella sweep ordered

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has directed the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) of the Department of Health to inspect stores and supermarkets nationwide and remove products contaminated with salmonella.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez told a news briefing the order covers not only pistachio nuts, but also peanut butter, earlier found to be contaminated with salmonella.

The BFAD reported that the first wave of recall of Yummy peanut spread and Ludy’s peanut butter from the market is now complete.

“Regarding pistachio, there was a memorandum by the USFDA (US Food and Drug Administration) to recall pistachio products (sold) by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, California,” he said.

He added that the BFAD would do a sampling on all pistachio products not distributed by Setton.

Yesterday, the BFAD identified 42 pistachio and pistachio-based products that must be recalled from the market for salmonella contamination.

BFAD director Leticia Gutierrez said the products have either been “recalled or withdrawn” in the United States.

Setton had already stopped the distribution of processed pistachios, also being used as ingredient in a variety of foods.

The USFDA also ordered the recall of nuts and pistachio products of The Georgia Nut Co., Back to Nature, Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, Dillons, QFC, City Market, Foods Co., Jay C, Scoot’s Owen’s, Baker’s Gerbes, Hilander, Pay Less, and Planters.

Frito-Lay had voluntarily recalled from the market its in-shell salted pistachios.

Gutierrez advised the public not to eat such products and “throw them away to prevent others from eating them.”

The bureau asked food establishments not to use and serve the recalled products. – Paolo Romero, Sheila Crisostomo