Trader Joe’s has announced a recall for its 50% Less Sodium Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews because of the potential risk of salmonella contamination. The recall affects specific production lots of the cashews sold in 16 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington. The affected products can be identified by the SKU number 37884 and lot numbers T12139, T12140, T12141, and T12142, with “best before” dates ranging from February 21, 2025, to March 10, 2025.
Understanding Salmonella Risks
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and cause more severe illnesses.
Recall Information for Consumers
Customers who have purchased the recalled cashews are urged not to consume them. Instead, they should return the product to any Trader Joe’s store for a full refund. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. The recall was initiated after routine testing by the FDA during import revealed the presence of salmonella in at least one of the recalled lots.
Preventive Measures Against Salmonella
To minimize the risk of salmonella infection, consumers are advised to follow food safety practices. These include washing hands thoroughly before and after handling food, cooking meats and eggs to the appropriate temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s has taken proactive steps to recall its 50% Less Sodium Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews due to the potential for salmonella contamination. Customers in possession of the recalled product are encouraged to return it for a refund and to adhere to food safety guidelines to prevent the risk of salmonella infection.