Sacramento, California - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Acting State Health Officer Dr. James Watt today warned people not to eat five varieties of Trader Joe’s brand raw walnuts because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been linked to these products as of this date.

 Trader Joe’s initiated a voluntary recall after being informed that routine surveillance samples analyzed by a private laboratory had tested positive for Salmonella.  The recalled pre-packaged raw walnuts were sold at Trader Joe’s stores nationwide in clear plastic bags with the UPC codes printed on the back. The recalled products include:   

Pictures of the affected products and labeling are located here. 

While the pre-packaged walnuts are no longer being sold, CDPH investigators are concerned that consumers may still have some of the recalled products in their homes. Consumers in possession of any of these recalled products should discard them or return them to the store of purchase for a refund. 

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Most infected people recover within a week.  Some may develop complications that require hospitalization.  Infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for more severe illness. 

CDPH recommends that consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming these products consult their health care provider.  Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll-free complaint line at (800) 495-3232.