The AP reported today that Setton Pistachio now claims that Kraft Foods Inc. detected salmonella in Setton’s pistachios more than six months ago but did not inform Setton until last week.   In response, Kraft said the food products giant did not know until recently that pistachios were the cause of salmonella contamination in a trail mix and promptly informed Setton.

So who is telling the truth?

Lee Cohen, a production manager for Setton’s sister plant, said Setton’s pistachios tested positive for the bacteria in a Kraft snack mix in September 2008.  The tainted nuts were found in a blend of fruits and nuts that also contained salmonella-tainted cherries, he said.  Cohen said Kraft did not tell Setton Pistachio of the September test until March 24.

Susan Davison, a Kraft spokeswoman, said their manufacturer Georgia Nut Co. first found the bacteria in its Kraft Back to Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix in September, but it took more than six months of careful ingredient testing to determine what caused the contamination.  Once Georgia Nut determined it was pistachios on March 20, the two companies issued a recall days later, she said.

But salmonella testing takes only 1 to 3 days to confirm a positive sample.  So what REALLY happened in those 6 months?

Incredibly, neither federal nor state laws require food manufacturers to test the safety of their products. If companies test and find contaminated food, they are not legally required to report it, although many do if they plan to issue a recall.

Salmonella, the most common cause of food-borne illness, causes diarrhea, fever and cramping. Most people recover, but the infection can be life-threatening for children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.   Roasting is supposed to kill the bacteria in nuts.  But problems can occur if the roasting is not done correctly or if roasted nuts are re-contaminated.  That can happen if mice, rats or birds get into the facility.

So Kraft – If it turns out that you did know about the salmonella contamination in pistachios over 6 months ago – then, as Desi Arnaz would say -”You got some ‘splaining to do!”