A company in Newberg, OR is recalling shelled hazelnuts, 114,350 pounds to be exact, because it is potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Willamette Shelling announced its product recall after a sampling had produced Salmonella in a production lot. To make sure that the consumer is safe, the company has decided to recall all the shelled hazelnuts that were processed at Willamette Shelling from October 12, 2009 through November 25, 2009. Willamette Shelling is urging hazelnut processors to return the product if they had used the Willamette Shelling's facility in 2009 to have their hazelnuts shelled.

The shelled hazelnuts that are being recalled were packed in 25 pound and 50 pound boxes that are corrugated with lot code numbers 296091A, 299091A, 300091A, VH369BO and 319901A. These boxes that are corrugated were packaged under the following brand names: Canadian Hazelnuts, Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts, Firestone Farms and Kunze Farms.

This recall had other companies recalling their hazelnuts also. And it was then that it had the consumers in a tight spot and for those consumers that have received and also given shelled hazelnuts or gifts that contain them, need to decide if the nuts in their possession needed to be recalled. These can be raw and roasted, non-organic or organic.

Besides the recall at Willamette Shelling, these other companies also decided to recall their trail mixes, bulk hazelnuts and packaged mixed nuts: Whole Foods Market, Janzen Farms, Market of Choice, Meridian Organic Hazelnuts, Willamette Filbert Growers, Burnt Ridge Orchards, Harry and David and Mountain Man Fruit & Nut Company.

Hazelnuts sold in their shell do not apply to this Salmonella warning. However, if you suspect that the hazelnuts that you have are part of this recall, please do not consume them. Willamette Shelling is asking all processors to return the nuts to their facility if it was used at that time. For those retailers that have sold nuts, consumers will be contacting you for instructions of full refunds and the return of the products. Salmonella poisoning is to be taken seriously, as healthy peoples with normal immune systems can become very ill, but can still recover or can end up with health issues. The elderly and younger children that have weak immune systems can die.

If you think you have come in contact with the defective hazelnuts or other products containing the hazelnuts you may be eligible for some compensation. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to find out.