KEAAU, Hawaii (HNN/RNN) – A variety of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company products processed earlier this month have been voluntarily recalled due to potential E. coli contamination, according to the state Department of Health.
A health department spokesperson said Monday that items produced at the company’s facility in Keaau between Sept. 6 and Sept. 21 should not be consumed because they may have come into contact with water from a well that was found to have been contaminated.
The state health department said they were alerted of the high bacteria counts on Friday.
The health department said water samples taken from the facility’s distribution system passed normal testing on Sept. 5, but similar tests on Sept. 21 triggered possible contamination concerns.
“There is clear evidence that food produced at the Keaau facility may be contaminated and consumers may be at risk,” said Oshiro.
“The Department of Health is working with the facility to ensure the safety of their drinking water and food production.” Investigators from the health department are “working with the facility to ensure their drinking water is safe and their facility is cleared before operations are allowed to resume.” Kalihi resident Beverly Cayco said she doesn’t eat Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts regularly, but often sends them to family and friends on the mainland.
"It’s not as much as the locals that I’m worried about," Cayco said.
Blake Adsero, visitor from Washington, said he wish he was notified of the potential contamination sooner.
“It worries me a little bit because I bought some and I’ve been eating them.
So I’m a little concerned, yeah,” Adsero said.