Macadamia Nuts Recalled Over Possible E. Coli Contamination, Hawaii Officials Say

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. said it is voluntarily recalling all items from a facility in Hawaii due to a potential E. coli contamination, according to state officials

“There is clear evidence that food produced at the Kea'au facility may be contaminated and consumers may be at risk,” said state sanitation branch chief Peter Oshiro in a state news release on Sept. 24.

He added: “The Department of Health is working with the facility to ensure the safety of their drinking water and food production.”

The Health Department discovered that E. coli was detected in well water at the company’s production facility in Keaau.

There have been no illnesses associated with the E. coli outbreak.

The affected products were produced between Sept. 6 and Sept. 12: Roasted Salted Macadamia Nuts, Honey Roasted Macadamias, Maui Onion Garlic Macadamia Nuts, Chocolate Macadamia Nuts, and Shortbread Cookies, KHON reported.

“We are still doing additional samples to get a better idea of what could possibly happen. We believe it might be part of their disinfect system needing to be improved, as well as potential contamination from hurricane brown water,” Safe Drinking Water Branch Chief Joanna Seto said.

The Health Department and the firm are now working to ensure that the drinking water is safe, and the facility will remain closed until it meets the Health Department’s sanitation requirements and standards.

Consumers who purchased the products should discard them or return them to the place of purchase. An entire list of products and lot numbers can be accessed on KHON’s website.