DETROIT (WWJ) - DeFranco and Sons of Los Angeles, CA, is voluntarily recalling bulk and consumer-packaged in-shell, hazelnut and mixed nut products containing hazelnuts because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria (E. coli O157:H7). 

The recall was initiated after the nut products were linked to 7 illnesses in the states of MI, MN, and WI.  To-date, no E. coli 0157:H7 has been detected in the nut products; however, they are notifying consumers out of what they say is an abundance of caution. 

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection may include abdominal cramps and diarrhea which is often bloody. 

Most infected people recover within a week; however, some may develop complications that require hospitalization. 

Young children and the elderly are at highest risk for a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which includes kidney failure.

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/EscherichiacoliO157H7.aspx.

DeFranco and Sons received the in-shell nuts from suppliers or growers and subsequently distributed the nuts nationwide and to Canada. 

 The affected nuts listed below were distributed between 11/2/10 and 12/22/10. 

Brand  Size Product   Sell By Date   UPC
Sunripe     1 lb   Hazelnuts   6/30/11  
Sunripe     1 lb   Large Hazelnuts 6/30/11  
Sunripe     2 lbs  Mixed nuts  6/30/11  
Sunripe     4 lbs  Mixed Nuts 6/30/11  
Sunripe   50 lbs  Imperial Mixed Nuts  None  
Sunripe   50 lbs  Supreme Mixed Nuts None  
George Packing  50 lbs  Hazelnuts   Only the products distributed by DeFranco and Sons between 11/2/10 to 12/22/10.
Firestone Farms 50 lbs  Hazelnuts  
Northwest Hazelnuts 50 lbs  Hazelnuts  

The 50 lb bags of in-shell hazelnuts or mixed nuts with hazelnuts may have been repacked or sold in bulk containers to consumers.

Consumers who think they may have the affected hazelnut or mixed nut products containing hazelnuts should not eat them and are urged to check with their place of purchase to determine if they are subject to the recall.  

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800 993-3992, Monday thru Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Pacific time (11 am – 1 pm Eastern time).