In February, a company in Berkley announced they were recalling macadamia nuts and butter that were distributed nationwide through mail order and retail outlets.  The products in question were shipped from the company’s facility between December 11th of last year and February 3rd of this year. 

According to the recall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had conducted testing with the Hawaiian supplier of the nuts and discovered the presence of Salmonella.  Production has been halted as the source of the contamination is investigated.  Consumers are being told to not consume the products and to return them to the place they were purchased. 

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is frequently associated with a number of common foods.  Most people who become infected develop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.  The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.  However, for some people, the condition may be so severe that the person needs to be hospitalized and death can occur in extreme cases. 

“Food products contaminated with Salmonella can make anyone sick,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “ However, young children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system are often most susceptible.  At LA Testing, we help to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers and work to prevent foodborne outbreaks by providing Salmonella testing and a comprehensive range of other food testing services.  These services are also instrumental for preventing costly product recalls and for identifying the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.  Testing is available to food manufacturers, retailers, health officials and the general public.” 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other substances.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public.  LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC.,  AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.