The recall highlights the ongoing challenges faced by both consumers and food suppliers in ensuring food safety, particularly in the context of allergies and foodborne illnesses. While the risks are well known, this specific contamination could cause severe health issues for susceptible groups. Salmonella infections are linked to symptoms including fever, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These effects are typically mild for healthy individuals but can lead to severe complications for the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
Costco Withdraws Macadamia Nuts Due to Contamination Risk
A voluntary recall has been initiated by American Nuts, LLC in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after concerns of potential Salmonella contamination in a batch of Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co. Baking Nuts. According to the recall notice, the affected product is a 20-ounce package, item #1840464, with the lot code 307HMNC25L3. These nuts were sold exclusively at Costco‘s Hawaii Kai warehouse between November 29 and December 4, 2025.
Consumers who purchased the affected batch are advised not to consume the product. Salmonella contamination can lead to severe foodborne illness, with symptoms including diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. While the infection typically resolves within a week for healthy individuals, it can lead to more severe complications in vulnerable groups, including children under five, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The recall impacts a limited number of packages sold within a specific time frame, but Costco and American Nuts are actively working to inform affected customers. Those with the recalled product can return it to Costco for a full refund. American Nuts has set up a customer service line at (818) 364-8855 for further inquiries.
Salmonella’s Potential Health Risks
Salmonella bacteria can lead to serious foodborne illness. Symptoms often begin within six hours to three days of consuming contaminated food. For most healthy people, the infection typically resolves itself within a week, though the elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems may face more severe symptoms. In some cases, Salmonella infections can lead to longer-term health issues or even death if not treated properly.
The infection, while common in many types of food, is of particular concern in products such as nuts and other dry foods, which may not undergo sufficient cooking to eliminate bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for millions of infections every year. Given the severity of these potential health risks, this recall is a reminder to the public of the importance of closely monitoring food purchases and paying attention to recall alerts.
