Whole Foods Market Recalls Almonds Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Cheryl Galway
770-667-8878 ext. 3353

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Austin, TX - May 27, 2004 -- Whole Foods
Market of Austin, Texas is conducting a voluntary recall on its
distribution of raw whole or diced almonds packaged under the name
Whole Food Market because this product has the potential to be
contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis. The recalled almonds were
packed in clear, rectangular plastic containers, sold by weight,
labeled "almonds whole natural" and "diced raw almonds" under the
Whole Foods Market brand. They were also available in self-service
gravity-feed bulk bins.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal
infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with
weakened immune systems. While no salmonella was found on the almonds,
Whole Foods Market is working with the FDA to ensure the quality
safety of its products. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often
experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and
abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can
results in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing
more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected
aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

This product is sold in Whole Foods Market and Harry's Farmers Market
stores in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

This recall is in follow up to a voluntary recall announced last week
by the producer of the almonds, Paramount Farms of California, based
on over 20 possible cases of illnesses associated with the almonds.
The cases were reported in California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington,
Utah, New Mexico, Arkansas, Tennessee, Massachusetts and Michigan. We
are working with the FDA to assure that all potentially contaminated
almonds are removed from the marketplace and that consumers are
notified of the recall.

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