Salmonella found in central Calif. pistachio plant

Federal officials confirm they found traces of salmonella in a central California pistachio processing plant that sparked a nationwide recall of the nut.

The Food and Drug Administration said today state and federal inspectors found the bacteria in “critical areas” at Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.

FDA officials also say they found areas at the facility where raw and roasted nuts could become cross-contaminated with salmonella.

The plant temporarily shut down after recalling more than 2 million pounds of nuts last week.

The company has now expanded its recall of pistachios to include all roasted, shelled pistachios, roasted in-shell pistachios and raw shelled pistachios from its 2008 crop.