In response to potential contamination with the bacteria listeria, Hormel Foods has issued a voluntary recall of two types of Planters nuts in five states. The affected products include 4-ounce packages of honey roasted peanuts and 8.75-ounce cans of deluxe lightly salted mixed nuts. These items were distributed to Publix supermarkets in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, as well as Dollar Tree stores in Georgia and South Carolina.
The specific products being recalled have “best if used by” dates of April 11, 2025, for the honey roasted peanuts and April 5, 2026, for the mixed nuts. All of the potentially contaminated items were produced at one of Hormel’s facilities in April. While there have been no reported illnesses associated with these products, listeria infections can be severe, especially for young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women are also at risk of complications such as miscarriage and stillbirth.
Symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Prompt antibiotic treatment can help mitigate the effects of the infection. While most healthy individuals may not experience serious illness from listeria, it can be life-threatening for vulnerable populations. Each year roughly 1600 people become infected with listeria resulting in about 260 deaths according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hormel advises customers who have purchased the recalled products to either dispose of them or return them to the store for an exchange. It is crucial to take precautions to prevent the spread of listeria and protect those who may be at higher risk of complications from infection.
Listeria is a type of gram-positive bacterium that can cause various foodborne illnesses such as Lyme disease and meningitis. It is commonly found on uncooked meat and poultry products like chicken breasts or turkey thighs.
In conclusion, Hormel Foods has issued a voluntary recall