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NM Pistachio Growers Feel Effect Of Nationwide Recall

The Food and Drug Administration is recalling pistachios from one California grower, but other producers feel the entire industry will be affected.

Eagle Ranch of Alamogordo, N.M., is the state's largest pistachio farm, and when the recall was issued, the business went on high alert.

Three sisters from Northern New Mexico visited Eagle Ranch for the first time Wednesday. All three said they would tell others to take the trip for the pistachio ice cream.

"The pistachios are good and also they're not too expensive," said one of the sisters.

The girls parents said they were unaware of the recall, but are now glad to know their favorite products are safe. The owner of Eagle Ranch, Marianne Schweers ,said the recall affects pistachios from one business in California.

“Most of the California nuts are just fine also, but there is one company that is involved and they are getting that taken care of,” Schweers said.

One company tested wholesale nuts it bought from Setton Pistachios of Terra Bella, Calif. The nuts tested positive for salmonella. And after two people claimed they were sickened by pistachios, the FDA issued the warning nationwide.

“Our phone absolutely has been ringing off the hook,” Schweers said.

“It's probably a good idea to be careful but you know it doesn't mean you have to be stupid,” said Matt Jones, of Fayetteville, N.C.

Schweers said the FDA recalled all pistachios and products in advance of people getting sick.

“Instead of creating a food scare, they perhaps go about it a little differently so that they don't devastate an industry,” Schweers said.

And customers said they're not worried about the recall, because they are getting their favorite snack from a business they know and trust.

“I've eaten quite a few. I get them to send them to me every Christmas. All I can tell you is they are good,” Jones said.

While two people claimed they felt sick after eating pistachios, there has been no verified link to the product.
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