Sunflower seed recall widens- Listeria

Retailers nationwide are voluntarily recalling thousands of products, including trail mix, sunflower seed packets and prepared salads, because of a possible listeria contamination.

The recalls announced this month include sunflower kernels sold under the Planters, Sunrich Naturals and Dakota Style brands and oriental salad with sesame ginger dressing from Papa John’s Salad and Produce, among others.

The recalls stem from a possible listeria contamination at SunOpta’s production facility in Crookston, Minnesota. The affected items all include sunflower kernels from the company.

SunOpta voluntarily recalled some of its sunflower products earlier this month because of possible listeria contamination. The recall was expanded May 18 and includes items produced between Feb. 1 and April 21.

Production has since been halted at the Minnesota facility.

“The company has completed its root cause analysis and is working with food safety experts to implement corrective and (preventive) measures,” SunOpta said in a statement.

No illnesses have been linked to the possible contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Listeria is a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. The risk is highest for young children, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems.

The bacteria can cause high fevers, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Pregnant women who get infected can suffer miscarriages or stillbirths.

For more information on the specific items being recalled, the FDA has posted recall notices from SunOpta, Papa John’s Salad and Produce, First Source, Hy-Vee and Dakota Style Foods, Inc.

Sunflower seed recall widens; thousands of products possibly contaminated with listeria