B.V.I. Monday, April 6 – Residents of the Territory are advised that the Environmental Health Division (EHD) has issued a recall of Planters and Back to Nature Products containing pistachio nuts because of possible health concerns.  These products are manufactured by Kraft Foods which conducted nationwide recall in the United States of America since the products could be contaminated with the Salmonella organism.

In announcing the recall, the EHD referred to a statement issued by the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Kraft Foods warning consumers not to eat Planters and Back to Nature products containing pistachio nuts due to the fear of contamination. The company is recalling all products containing pistachios supplied by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. after September 1, 2008.

It is important to note that the recall covers only Planters and Back to Nature products that contain pistachios.  No other Planters, Back to Nature or Kraft products are affected by this recall. There have been no cases of Salmonellosis reported to date in connection with these products and the company is issuing this recall as a precaution.  These products were believed to have been imported and distributed by various local supermarkets.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development, through the Environmental Health Division is therefore advising consumers who might have any of these products in their possession to discard the same.

It has been proven that at least two of these products were imported into the Territory. These are PLANTERS PECAN LOVERS MIX & PLANTERS TRAIL MIX, MIX NUTS & RAISINS.

The public is further advised that Environmental Health Officers have already started to remove and destroy the recalled products and will continue to do so until the division is satisfied that all the products are out of the reach of consumers.  A list of affected products and code dates is attached and available on the website www.kraftfoodscompany.com.  Consumers should not eat these products and discard any products they may have.

The Environmental Health Division also seeks the cooperation of proprietors of all wholesales, supermarkets, superettes and any other food establishment in the Territory in adhering to the recall. Proprietors are requested to immediately remove and discard any Planters and Back to Nature products containing pistachio nuts from their shelves.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

For further information please contact the Environmental Health Division at: 468-3701 ext. 5110, 468-5110 or fax 494-7430.

The Environmental Health Division is the government agency under the portfolio of the Ministry of Health and Social Development responsible for the management of vector control programs as well as monitoring food safety, water quality, institutional hygiene and port health.