Hormel Foods Sales, LLC has issued a voluntary recall of select Planters® products produced at one of its facilities in April due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects a limited number of products distributed to two retailers across five states, posing a potential health risk to consumers.
Recalled Products:
The recalled products include 4 oz. packages of Planters® Honey Roasted Peanuts and 8.75 oz. cans of Planters® Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts. These products were shipped to Publix distribution warehouses in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, as well as Dollar Tree distribution warehouses in South Carolina and Georgia. The affected products bear specific UPC codes and “Best if Used By Dates” as detailed in the company’s announcement.
Health Risks:
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Listeria infection include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are at risk of miscarriages or stillbirths if infected.
Response and Contact Information:
Hormel Foods urges consumers who have purchased the recalled products to either discard them or return them to the point of purchase for a refund or exchange. Consumers with questions or concerns can contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations via email, chat, or phone during specified hours.
The company emphasizes its commitment to food safety and has initiated a full investigation to determine the source of the contamination. There have been no reported illnesses related to the recalled products at the time of the announcement, and all affected retailers have been notified accordingly.