In an effort to ensure the safety of its customers, Hormel Foods has issued a voluntary recall of two types of Planters nuts in five states due to potential contamination with the bacteria listeria. The affected products include 4-ounce packages of honey roasted peanuts and 8.75-ounce cans of deluxe lightly salted mixed nuts. These products 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.
Listeria is a type of gram-positive bacterium that can cause various illnesses ranging from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to life-threatening sepsis or meningitis. Symptoms can include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. Prompt antibiotic treatment can help mitigate the effects of the infection but may not always cure it completely. It is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of listeria and protect those who may be at higher risk of complications from infection.
Hormel advises customers who have purchased the recalled products to either dispose of them or return them to the store for an exchange. Consumers should also wash their hands thoroughly after handling any food item that may contain listeria bacteria.
In conclusion, Hormel has taken proactive steps to address potential contamination issues with its Planters nuts line in several states. Customers should take necessary precautions when handling food items that may contain harmful bacteria like Listeria Monocytogenes by washing their hands thoroughly after handling such items or returning them for exchange if they possess affected products.
