by Aimee Keenan-Greene

DeFranco & Sons is voluntarily recalling in-shell hazelnuts and mixed nuts containing in-shell hazelnuts that have been linked to seven cases of E. coli in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. 
E. coli  can cause serious and often fatal infections in young children, frail, elderly and other people with weakened immune systems.

These nuts were distributed nationwide and to Canada Nov. 2 to Dec. 22, 2010. 

The FDA is actively working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health and agricultural agencies in the states where illnesses occurred to investigate the source of the contamination. The FDA has also shared information with Canadian authorities.

The in-shell hazelnuts may have been sold in 2-pound and 4-pound packages of mixed nuts, 1-pound packages containing only in-shell hazelnuts or in open bins of nuts in grocery stores.
The Food and Drug Administration  says most people infected with E. coli develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) after swallowing the organism, but some illnesses last longer and are more severe. 

A type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can begin as the diarrhea is improving; this can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and the elderly. Signs and symptoms of HUS may include: fever, abdominal pain, pale skin tone, fatigue and irritability, small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth, decreased urination and swelling of the face, hands, feet, or entire body. 

The affected products are listed below:

The 50-pound bags of in-shell hazelnuts or mixed nuts with in-shell hazelnuts may have been repacked into smaller packages by other firms or sold from bulk containers to consumers. 

Consumers with questions about nut safety can call 1-888-SAFEFOOD.