Recalled macadamia nuts seized from CNMI shelves

 The Bureau of Environmental Health seized Monday and yesterday macadamia nuts that were the subject of a recall order by the World Health Organization due to possible salmonella contamination.

Lily Kapileo of the bureau’s inspection and enforcement unit disclosed yesterday that 46 cases of Paton’s Macadamia Plantations Pty Ltd. macadamia nuts were confiscated from a store and wholesaler company in Susupe.

Kapileo said the company’s management has already been instructed to arrange with the Department of Public Works for the disposal of affected products at the Marpi landfill.

Among the products being recalled were World’s Finest Macadamia Nuts (130g); Crazy Koala Macadamia Nuts Cairns (130g); Crazy Koala Macadamia Nuts Sydney (130g); Crazy Koala Macadamia Nuts Gold Coast (130g); Australia-World’s Finest Macadamia Nuts (130g); Pacific Islands Club (110g); Paton’s Guam Milk (110g); Paton’s Saipan Milk (110g); Taste of Paradise-Shell & Sand (130g); Crazy Koala Macadamia Nuts (Australian Flag) (130g); and Crazy Koala Macadamia Nuts (130g).

These products were produced between Sept. 15, 2011, and Sept. 22, 2011, and are best consumed before October 2012.

The recalled products are believed to be sold in tourist souvenir gift shops. A Paton statement says that Guam is one of the places where these products were shipped to.

As of yesterday, bureau inspections continue on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

“BEH teams did find within CNMI the recalled macadamia nuts with assorted marketing date which was reported by World Health Organization. Management of the visited establishment was advised to pull stocks from shelves. Teams will continue with the random recall visitation today,” Kapileo told Saipan Tribune yesterday.

Paton’s Macadamia Plantations recalled specific products a few days ago due to the possible presence of salmonella bacteria. Although no illnesses or adverse effects have been reported, food products contaminated by salmonella may cause illnesses if consumed.

Salmonella is an infectious bacteria that attacks the intestines and bloodstream in most humans. The most commons symptoms of salmonella are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps that typical occur about six to 72 hours after developing the infection. While usually not deadly, those infected by salmonella at times often feel like they are not going to make it through the ordeal given the intense pains and problems it causes.

Paton’s Macadamia Plantations, in its recall message, warned consumers not to eat the contaminated products and any consumers concerned with their health should seek medical advice. It added that products can be returned to the place of purchase for a full cash refund.