FDA: Pistachio plant knew some nuts were tainted

ByABC News
May 22, 2009, 11:36 PM

FRESNO, Calif. -- Food safety inspectors sad Friday that the California plant at the center of a salmonella scare knew some of its pistachios were tainted but continued shipping nuts for another six months.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a sweeping national warning in March for consumers to avoid eating pistachios after concerns surfaced about nuts from Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella,.

In an inspection report released this week, FDA officials said Setton got results in October showing some of its roasted nuts tested positive for salmonella. But, officials said, it didn't make proper adjustments to its processing procedures and kept shipping out nuts.

Officials haven't said whether Setton will face sanctions.

A Setton spokeswoman didn't immediately return calls seeking comment Friday.

No illnesses have been confirmed as a result of contaminated pistachios.