SunOpta Expands Recall of Sunflower Kernel Products

Recall Alert

SunOpta, a global organic food company, has expanded its recall of a number of sunflower kernel products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall was originally limited to SunOpta’s sunflower kernel products made at a facility in Minnesota from February 1 – February 19, 2016. The recall has now expanded to include products made up until April 21, 2016 (this is when the facility stop producing the now-recalled products).

In a statement, SunOpta assured customers that the company is committed to consumer safety and providing quality products and ingredients. They further note that the voluntary recall expansion is being taken out of an abundance of caution and further preventative and corrective measures will be taken.

The recalled sunflower kernel products were sold in clear plastic packages. Look for ‘Best By’ dates located on the front or back of the packages:

  • Sunrich Naturals Sunflower Kernel, one-ounce packages, UPC code: 810304032122 (for lot numbers and ‘Best By’ dates, click here)
  • Planters Sunflower Kernels, three-ounce packages, UPC code: 029000012714 (for lot numbers and ‘Best By’ dates, click here)

Sunrich Naturals and Planters Sunflower Kernels

These products were distributed throughout March and April 2016 across distribution centers in the U.S. To date, no illnesses have been reported in relation to eating the recalled products—but customers are being advised to either throw out the products or return them for a refund.

For more information, contact SunOpta at: contactus@sunopta.com. Phone: 1-888-886-4428, weekdays, 8 a.m. CT (9 am ET) to 5 p.m. CT (6pm ET).

Earlier this month, CRF Frozen Foods announced that it was expanding its voluntary recall because products may have been contaminated with Listeria. The recall includes all frozen organic and fruit and vegetable products that were processed at a Pasco facility since May 2014.

Infections caused by Listeria can lead to short-term symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bad headaches, fever, diarrhea, or nausea. More serious complications can occur in the elderly, children and people with weak immune systems. Pregnant women are also at risk as it can lead to stillbirths or miscarriages.


Sources:
“Expanded Recall Period of Certain Sunflower Kernel Products Due to Possible Contamination By Listeria Monocytogenes,” FDA web site, May 18, 2016; http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm502184.htm.
“CRF Frozen Foods Expands Voluntary Recall to Include All Frozen Vegetable and Fruit Products Due To Possible Health Risk,” FDA web site, May 2, 2016; http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm498841.htm.