Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts Recalled, Salmonella Risk Prompts Consumer Warning

American Nuts LLC issued a voluntary recall on December 9 for 20 ounce packages of Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co. Baking Nuts because of potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled product is item number 1840464 with lot code 307HMNC25L3, and was sold at Costco’s Hawaii Kai warehouse between Nov. 29 and Dec. 4. The company and the Food and Drug Administration urged consumers not to consume the product and to follow recall instructions from the retailer and public health officials.

Salmonella infection typically causes gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting. The illness is often self limited in healthy adults, but can be more severe for young children, elderly adults and people with weakened immune systems. Anyone who has the recalled product should avoid eating it and should follow guidance from Costco and health authorities on disposal or return and on seeking medical care if they develop symptoms.

For Kauai residents the recall raises practical concerns about exposure and access to care. Some island residents travel between islands frequently to shop or receive packaged goods from family and friends. Households that received the affected nuts as gifts or through shared food items may not immediately realize the product was sold on Oahu. Rural communities and people with limited transportation or health care access may face delayed symptom recognition and treatment, increasing the risk of complications.

The recall also highlights broader public health and food safety issues that affect island communities. Timely testing, rapid communication and clear retail recall procedures are critical to prevent further exposure. Public health authorities must consider how to deliver urgent alerts to remote and vulnerable populations and how to support those who become ill.

Consumers with concerns should contact the retailer and local public health officials for instructions. Monitor family members for symptoms, seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent, and take extra caution with children, older adults and immunocompromised household members.