An Illinois company is recalling a lot of raw macadamia nuts because another lot made with the same group of nuts tested positive for Salmonella.

NOW Health Group Inc. (NOW) of Bloomingdale, IL, is recalling its “NOW Real Food Raw Macadamia Nuts” with the product code 7119 and  Lot#3141055, according to a company recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All of the recalled nut pouches are stamped with a best-by date of 01/2021.

The company reports distributing the implicated nuts nationwide online and through retail stores.

“Consumers who have purchased the recalled Raw Macadamia Nuts should stop using the product immediately and return it to place of purchase for a full refund. Receipt is not required for refund,” according to the recall notice. “Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact NOW’s customer service department by phone at 888-NOW-FOOD (888-669-3663).

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product as of the posting of the recall notice.

“NOW became aware of the potential contamination after routine sampling in a later lot of finished product  — which contained the same lot of raw material as used in the recalled lot — found the bacteria. This later finished product lot was not released and remains in a quarantined state,” the notice reports.

“NOW has provided information on this recall to all its retailers who purchased this product and has encouraged retailers to make every effort to contact their customers to facilitate the return of affected products.”

about Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.