pinenutsThe CFIA, or Canadian Food Inspection Agency, has announced a health hazard warning against certain brands of pine nuts. The agency is working with the food company, David Roberts Food Co., in carrying out the hazard warning and product recall.

The affected pine nuts are recalled because of a possibility of being contaminated by the Salmonella bacteria, a harmful food contaminant. Common symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include high fever, nausea, severe headache and in some cases bloody diarrhea. In people with weak immune systems, Salmonella food poisoning can lead to more serious health incidents, even death.

The pine nuts are sold under the brands David Roberts and Sysco. Specific information on the recalled pine nuts is the following:

Sysco Pine Nuts are packed in plastic bags, with a net weight of 1.5 kg, a lot code of 1323 and a UPC code of 00734730026268.

David Roberts Pine Nuts are packed in plastic tubs (90 grams net weight) or plastic bags (1.5 kg net weight). This batch of pine nuts has a lot code of 1323, a UPC code of 067261246561 and has a “Best Before” date of August 17, 2012.

There are also unbranded pine nuts packed in plastic tubs having variable weights of 90 grams and 100 grams. This batch does not indicate a lot code or a UPC code, but have a “Pack date” of 2011 AU 17.

The affected pine nuts are sold only in David Roberts Food Co.’s retail store. The recalled pine nuts have also been distributed to food service operators in Mississauga, Ontario.