Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said a California-based company has voluntarily recalled a number of its in-shell hazelnut and mixed-nut products because they may have been contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria (E. coli O157:H7).

DeFranco and Sons said the nuts in question were distributed across the U.S. and Canada under the Sunripe and George Packing brands (as well as in unbranded "Season’s Greetings" gift packs).

The products may have been sold in Louisiana.

The recall was initiated after the nut products were linked to seven illnesses in the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

DeFranco and Sons received the in-shell nuts from suppliers or growers and subsequently distributed the nuts. The nuts in question were distributed between Nov. 2 and Dec. 22, 2010. The FDA is working to determine the source of the contamination.

Those with questions about the recall can contact DeFranco and Sons at 1-800-992-3992, Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

A full list of the recalled products may be found at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm245902.htm.

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