More people have been adding a variety of nuts to their diets in an effort to eat healthier foods. It was probably surprising to learn late last year that tainted nut products were recalled by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These nuts were said to be contaminated with one of the many strains of Salmonella typhimurium.

It was really frightening when I read the FDA's report especially since, like the average person, I assume that food prepared in the factories of countries governed by stringent standards and laws are safe. Although these standards are present and strong sanctions are applied, a lot is dependent on the education of people in food safety, their willingness to put knowledge into practice and the vigilance of the agencies that implement the checks and balances.

The plant of the company alleged to have produced the tainted product was shut down in February after inspectors found many unhealthy environmental conditions. According to the FDA's report, none of the national brands, some of which are on our shelves in Jamaica, is tainted.

The plot thickens however, as breaking news on April 8 on the FDA website is of pistachio and pistachio products being contaminated with salmonella. The source is alleged to be a factory in California. The products have been recalled and investigations are ongoing.

National standards

Policymakers are responsible for ensuring that national standards are put in place and that there are specific government ministries and agencies to educate the public and monitor the standards. As consumers, we need to keep abreast of things happening around us and make informed choices on food intake, the source of the foods and the fitness of people preparing the foods.

It is said that we are a lucky set of people but our luck will one day run out. Too often, we are lax about what we eat and feed to our families. Let us keep abreast of the developments abroad as we are connected in so many ways through commercial trade and the ever-popular 'barrels'.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.