Hy-Vee recalling Macadamia nuts over salmonella concerns

Hy-Vee Inc. is voluntarily recalling Hy-Vee 2-ounce Macadamia Nuts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

In a news release, the West Des Moines-based chain said the Macadamia nuts were distributed to all of the company's 240 grocery stores across its eight-state region of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The product, which comes in a blue 2-ounce plastic bag, was sold between July 2, 2015, and Feb. 3, 2016. The product code and date information - Name: Hy-Vee Macadamia Nuts 2oz/57g; UPC: 0 75450 13287 8; Best By: 10 JUL 2016 - can be found in the mid-right column on the back of the bag.

Hy-Vee said no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product.

The potential for contamination was brought to Hy-Vee's attention after the product's supplier, Marathon Ventures Inc., issued a voluntary recall on various retail and bulk packages containing raw macadamia nuts.

The voluntary recall was issued after Salmonella positive product was found during routine product sampling.

Hy-Vee said customers who bought Hy-Vee 2-ounce Macadamia Nuts between July 2, 2015, and Feb. 3, 2016, should dispose of the product or return it to a Hy-Vee store for a full refund.

Hy-Vee is an employee-owned corporation with annual sales of $9.3 billion.