FDA: Pistachio plant knew nuts were tainted

updated 5:36 p.m. ET May 22, 2009

FRESNO, Calif. - Food safety inspectors say a California plant at the center of a salmonella scare knew some of its pistachios were tainted but continued shipping nuts for another six months.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a sweeping national warning in March for consumers to avoid eating pistachios after concerns surfaced about nuts from Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.

In an inspection report released this week, FDA officials said Setton first got results in October showing some of its roasted nuts tested positive for salmonella. But, officials say, it didn't make proper adjustments to its processing procedures and kept shipping out nuts.

Officials haven't said whether Setton will face sanctions.

A Setton spokeswoman didn't immediately return calls seeking comment Friday.

No illnesses have been confirmed as a result of contaminated pistachios.

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