The Oregon hazelnut industry is taking a heavy hit from Salmonella contamination resulting in the recall of over 177,000 pounds of product. No illnesses have been associated with any of the three recalls.
The biggest single recall is at Newberg-based Willamette Shelling. It is recalling 114,350 pounds of Shelled Hazelnuts, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.
After product sampling, Salmonella was found on one production lot. To ensure consumer safety, Willamette Shelling has decided to recall all shelled hazelnuts processed at its facility from Oct. 12 to Nov. 25, 2009.
Hazelnuts subject to the recall were shelled at Willamette Shelling’s facility on behalf of hazelnut processors.
Shelled Hazelnuts processed by Willamette Shelling were returned to Oregon processors and a Canadian processor, and were further distributed by those firms.
Unshelled hazelnuts are not affected by this recall.
All products subject to recall were packed in 25 and 50 pound corrugated boxes with lot code numbers 296091A, 299091A, 300091A, VH3696BO, and 310091A. Those corrugated boxes bear the following brand names: Kunze Farms, Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts, Canadian Hazelnuts, and Firestone Farms.
Hazelnut processors who used Willamette Shelling’s facility in 2009 are urged to return the product to Willamette Shelling.
Consumers with questions may contact Ben Mitchell at (503) 538-9256, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST.
Dayton-based Kunze Farms is recalling 32,950 pounds of hazelnut kernels because of possible Salmonella contamination.
Hazelnut kernels were distributed to several different processors and wholesaler’s in the following areas: Dayton, OR; Milton-Freewater, OR; Hauppauge, NY; Mesa, AZ; Cottonwood, AZ; Seattle, WA; Ogden, UT; San Antonio, TX. and Parker, CO.
The product was packed in 25 pound cartons, under the product brand name of Kunze Farms, ‘Select Shelled Hazelnuts’ Dayton, Oregon with the code numbers 289091A or 299091A.
The second recall was as the result of a routine sampling of product by the FDA at the company who processes the hazelnuts for Kunze Farms. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Consumers who have purchased the select-shelled hazelnuts packed by Kunze Farms in Dayton, Oregon are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact Kurt Kunze at (503) 864-2102, Monday – Friday, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The third recall came at Newberg-based Willamette Filbert Growers. It is recalling 29,861 pounds of Shelled Hazelnuts and Shelled Organic Hazelnuts, because their nuts have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
After product sampling, Salmonella was found on one production lot at the facility where Willamette Filbert Grower’s hazelnuts were shelled.
To ensure consumer safety, Willamette Filbert Growers has decided to recall all shelled hazelnuts and shelled organic hazelnuts processed from Oct.12 to Nov. 25, 2009.
Shelled Hazelnuts and Shelled Organic Hazelnuts were distributed in Oregon and California through wholesale distributors and direct delivery. Unshelled hazelnuts are not subject to this recall.
All products subject to recall were packed in 25 pound corrugated boxes bearing Willamette Filbert Growers or Meridian Organic Hazelnuts labeled with lot code numbers 289091A and 311091A.
Consumers who have purchased Willamette Filbert Growers Shelled Hazelnuts or Meridian Organic Hazelnuts are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact Ben Mitchell at (503) 538-9256, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, mostly in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.