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Which Blue Diamond Almonds Were Recalled?

4 min read

In August 2022, Blue Diamond Growers voluntarily recalled nearly 350,000 pounds of Whole Brown Almonds due to potential Salmonella contamination identified during internal testing. This significant recall affected not only bulk product distributors in several U.S. states but also international markets.

Quick Summary

In August 2022, Blue Diamond Growers recalled bulk Whole Brown Almonds over potential Salmonella contamination. The voluntary recall included specific lots and batches distributed domestically and internationally, but did not involve branded consumer snack products. Consumers with affected bulk almonds were advised to dispose of them or seek a refund.

Key Points

  • Specific Product Recalled: The Blue Diamond recall in August 2022 specifically involved approximately 347,650 pounds of Bulk Whole Brown Almonds, intended for industrial manufacturing, not branded consumer snack nuts.

  • Recall Reason: The 2022 recall was a voluntary action initiated by Blue Diamond Growers after internal testing found potential Salmonella contamination in certain batches.

  • Affected Areas: The recalled bulk almonds were distributed to specific areas, including U.S. states like California, Colorado, and Illinois, as well as internationally to Germany, Morocco, and Canada.

  • Product Recovery: Blue Diamond Growers confirmed that 100% of the recalled bulk product was recovered or in the process of being recovered, minimizing public risk.

  • Additional Recalls: It is important to note other recalls, such as the August 2018 recall of refrigerated Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk due to undeclared dairy milk caused by an employee error.

  • Action for Consumers: Consumers in possession of any recalled product should dispose of it or return it for a refund. Retail snack nuts and other branded products were not affected by the 2022 almond recall.

In This Article

Comprehensive Details of the Blue Diamond Almond Recall

Food safety recalls are serious events designed to protect public health. The August 2022 recall of Blue Diamond almonds was a voluntary action taken by Blue Diamond Growers after internal testing identified potential Salmonella contamination in specific product lots. This recall involved a substantial quantity of product—approximately 347,650 pounds—and was a Class I recall, the most urgent type, indicating a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death.

Which specific products were recalled in August 2022?

The recall was very specific and did not affect packaged snack nuts, almond milk, or other consumer-branded products commonly found on grocery store shelves. Instead, the recall was focused on bulk products intended for industrial ingredient manufacturing. The recalled item was: Bulk Whole Brown Almonds.

Specific batch and lot numbers for the recalled bulk almonds were provided by the FDA {Link: ABC7 News https://abc7news.com/post/fda-almond-recall-blue-diamond-growers-almonds-salmonella/12147671/}.

Where were the contaminated almonds distributed?

The bulk almonds were distributed to three U.S. states and several international locations before the recall was issued. The distribution list included: California, Colorado, Illinois, Germany, Morocco, and Canada. Blue Diamond Growers stated that 100% of the recalled product had been recovered or was in the process of being recovered, minimizing the risk to the public.

Salmonella contamination and health risks

Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, can cause serious health complications, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the U.S. annually.

Actionable steps for consumers during a recall

For consumers who believe they might be affected by a recall, the proper course of action is to stop consuming the product immediately. Recalled items should be either disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. For the August 2022 Blue Diamond recall, the risk to retail customers was low since the product was not sold directly to consumers in stores, but checking bulk purchases was still a good practice.

Product Type Brand Name Recall Status Reason Date of Recall Affected Lots Consumer-facing?
Bulk Almonds Blue Diamond Confirmed Salmonella August 2022 See list above No, industrial use
Almondmilk Almond Breeze Confirmed Undeclared Milk August 2018 Refrigerated Vanilla w/ 'Use By' Sep 2, 2018 Yes, retail consumer product
Bulk Almonds N/A (Paramount Farms) Confirmed Salmonella August 2004 Raw almonds w/ 'Best Before' 8/21/04 or later Yes, also retail brands

Other notable Blue Diamond recalls

While the 2022 event focused on industrial ingredients, Blue Diamond has been involved in other notable recalls. In August 2018, there was a recall of refrigerated Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk because it may have contained dairy milk, an undeclared allergen. This was an employee error at a processing facility that also handled dairy products. Consumers with the affected product were advised to return it or seek a refund.

Conclusion: Navigating food recalls with confidence

The 2022 recall of bulk Blue Diamond Whole Brown Almonds for Salmonella, along with the 2018 Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk recall, highlight the importance of product vigilance. While the company stated the 2022 almond recall did not impact retail snack nuts, staying informed about such events is crucial for all consumers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and platforms like Food Safety News are valuable resources for monitoring food safety alerts. By paying attention to public health announcements, understanding which specific products are affected, and following proper disposal procedures, consumers can effectively protect themselves and their families from foodborne illness. For the latest recall information, always consult official sources. {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts} is an authoritative source for the public to check.

How to protect yourself from foodborne illness from recalls

  • Check official sources like the FDA and CDC for timely information.
  • Read recall notices carefully to identify the specific product, including lot and batch numbers.
  • If in doubt, throw it out or return it to the retailer for a refund.
  • Do not consume, sell, or distribute any recalled product.
  • Practice good food hygiene and separate raw foods from ready-to-eat foods.

This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect you have contracted a foodborne illness, seek medical attention immediately.

How to stay informed about product recalls

Staying informed about product recalls is easier than ever with modern technology. Consider the following methods:

  1. Sign up for email alerts: Many government agencies, including the FDA, allow consumers to subscribe to email updates for product safety alerts and recalls.
  2. Use social media: Follow official accounts for public health organizations and reputable news outlets on social media platforms.
  3. Check retail websites: Some grocery stores and major retailers post recall information on their websites.
  4. Install a mobile app: Some apps offer real-time recall notifications based on your location and product preferences.

This article has been independently researched and is based on publicly available information as of its publication date.


Last updated: October 2025

Sources:

  • ABC7 News: Blue Diamond recalling nearly 350,000 pounds of almonds after testing for salmonella, FDA says
  • National Nut Grower: Blue Diamond Growers recalls almonds after testing finds salmonella
  • Food Industry Counsel: 8/5/2022 Blue Diamond Growers Recall Details
  • SELF Magazine: 350,000 Pounds of Blue Diamond Almonds Recalled Due to Salmonella
  • Food Safety News: Blue Diamond Growers recalls Almonds after testing finds salmonella
  • Farm Progress: Blue Diamond recovering recalled almonds
  • WRAL.com: RECALL: Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk
  • CBS News: Almond milk recalled because it may contain real milk
  • Marler Clark: Almond recall; food-poisoning reports

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the August 2022 recall did not affect any consumer-packaged Blue Diamond branded snack nuts. The recall was for bulk Whole Brown Almonds, which were intended for industrial ingredient manufacturing.

The recall was initiated because internal sampling by Blue Diamond Growers found a potential risk of Salmonella contamination in specific lots of bulk Whole Brown Almonds.

Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It can lead to serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

If you are a business or individual with the recalled bulk Whole Brown Almonds, you should not consume, serve, or distribute them. Recalled products should be thrown away or returned to the point of purchase.

Yes, in August 2018, there was a separate recall for refrigerated Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk. This recall was for undeclared dairy milk in the product and did not involve contamination with almonds.

For the August 2018 recall, consumers needed to check the half-gallon cartons of Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk for a 'Use By' date of September 2, 2018, and a specific UPC barcode.

The bulk almonds were distributed to industrial manufacturers in California, Colorado, and Illinois, as well as internationally to Germany, Morocco, and Canada.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.