'2 local firms registered to import pistachio from Setton'

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) said yesterday only two local companies are registered to import pistachio from California-based Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., whose products are suspected to be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

BFAD director Prof. Leticia Gutierrez said an order had already been sent to Duty Free Philippines and Andalucia Trading Co. Inc. to recall the Setton products from the market.

Gutierrez claimed the firms were required to report to BFAD every three days to explain how they carried out the recall order.

“BFAD had also directed all supermarkets and retailers to withdraw the products from their shelves and enjoins everyone not to eat the same products,” she added.

The bureau had banned Setton pistachio products, taking a cue from the US Food and Drug Administration, which is investigating the salmonella contamination.

Several US companies – The Georgia Nut Company, Back to Nature, Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, Dillons, QFC, City Market Foods Co., Jay C, Scoot’s Owen’s, Baker’s Gerbes, Hilander, Pay Less, Planters and Frito Lay – have also voluntarily recalled their products.

According to Gutierrez, pistachio products sold in Philippine markets were not only imported from the US but also from Spain, Switzerland and Thailand.

She urged local government units to help BFAD in monitoring compliance by checking food stores in their jurisdiction.