The way food recalls start is almost routine. As is customary, a state inspector enters a store, takes a few jars from the shelf, and sends them to a laboratory. Nothing returns most of the time. Something did this time.
As part of a regular store inspection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services tested three jars of Walmart’s Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter before July 17, 2026. Each of the three tested positive for Salmonella. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration formalized the recall by August 3 after Walmart was informed of those results on July 17. The impacted product, a 6.7-ounce glass jar imported by Botticelli Foods from Gustibus Alimentari in Italy, has since been removed from Walmart stores in 19 states.
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming are the states in question. It’s a large geographic spread for a single lot of product, which provides some idea of how quickly even an item with a niche name can pass through the supply chain of a large retailer.
The particular jar to search for has the UPC 194346207961, the lot code LB028ACP04, and an expiration date of January 28, 2027. This is not a product that would have been neglected at the back of a pantry, so it is important to be aware of the expiration date. It makes sense for someone who bought this at their neighborhood Walmart a few weeks ago to anticipate it lasting for several months. There would be no obvious reason for them to suspect a problem.
As of this writing, no illnesses have been reported, which is truly encouraging. Botticelli Foods has publicly stated that they have not heard of any illnesses or injuries related to this product. However, the lack of documented cases does not imply that there is no risk, and Salmonella should not be taken lightly. It usually causes nausea, diarrhea, cramping in the stomach, and fever in otherwise healthy adults. These symptoms are extremely unpleasant but usually tolerable. However, the same infection can rapidly worsen and become truly dangerous in older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
A relatively recent addition to the American grocery mainstream is pistachio nut butter. It falls somewhere between an everyday spread and a specialty item, the kind of thing a customer buys because almond butter has become too familiar or because it looks intriguing. Walmart’s better-goods line presents itself as a private-label alternative, offering store-brand quality without the stigma associated with it. Although the fact that this specific product was made abroad is hardly unusual, it does add layers to the supply chain that complicate the process of tracking down a contamination event.
There is only one lot covered by the recall. Botticelli Foods has made it clear that no other Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter has been identified. However, the advice is clear if you bought this product and are unsure if your jar is part of the recalled lot: avoid eating it. For a complete refund, return it to the retailer where you purchased it. During regular business hours, Botticelli Foods can also be reached directly at 631-543-7000, extension 203.
It’s important to note that a state-level routine inspection, not a customer complaint or a string of illness reports, was the cause of this recall. That could be considered the system operating as it ought to. Three contaminated jars were discovered before anyone became ill after a Florida inspector entered a Walmart and performed their duties. These stories don’t always end that way.
