American Gourmet recalls various pistachio products due to Salmonella concerns

American Gourmet is voluntarily recalling several sizes of their pistachio products due to a risk of salmonella contamination, according to a Department of Defense All Food and Drug Activity message sent March 25.

The Defense Commissary Agency has publicized this recall to all its stores, said Chris Wicker, a public health advisor for DeCA headquarters at Fort Lee, Virginia. Whenever a commissary has a recalled or withdrawn product in its inventory, the product is immediately removed from store shelves.

"We have confirmed that the commissaries carry these products," Wicker said. "Customers should check their pantries and return any products to the commissaries for a refund."

The following products are affected by this recall:

• American Gourmet Roasted and Salted Pistachios 2.5 ounces – UPC: 1578600108, "best by date" of Nov. 5, 2016 through Jan. 13, 2017
• American Gourmet Roasted and Salted Pistachios 4 ounces – UPC: 1578600135, "best by date" of Nov. 5, 2016 through Jan. 13, 2017
• American Gourmet Roasted and Salted Pistachios 7.5 ounces – UPC: 1578600123, "best by date" of Nov. 5, 2016 through Jan. 13, 2017

Salmonella can be potentially life-threatening, especially to infants, older people, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. It can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella's most common symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Salmonella's symptoms usually develop between eight to 72 hours after consumption of the contaminated food and last about four to seven days.

Customers who purchased any of these products at the commissary should bring them back for a refund.

Questions about this recall can be directed to1-760-599-0480 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.

For additional information on this recall, please visit the Food and Drug Administration's page on this recall.