Minnesota-based Hormel Foods Sales LLC is issuing a voluntary recall of two of its Planters products after discovering that they have the potential to cause a potentially fatal infection. The two products, Honey Roasted Peanuts and Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts, were produced at one of its facilities and distributed to five states in the southeastern region of the United States.
These products were distributed to Publix warehouses in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, as well as to Dollar Tree warehouses in South Carolina and Georgia. The recall was initiated after the company found that the products may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria that can be harmful to human health.
Hormel Foods Sales LLC, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation, is a multinational company that specializes in the production and sale of meat and food products. The company is known for its popular brands such as Hormel, Applegate, Justin’s, and of course, Planters. In April, the company produced and distributed the affected products at one of its facilities, before discovering the potential contamination.
After conducting thorough testing, the company found that the packaged contents may contain listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and potentially fatal infections, especially in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
According to the company, the recall is limited to specific packages of Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts and Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts. These include 4-ounce packages of Honey Roasted Peanuts with a “Best if Used By Date” of April 11, 2025, and an associated UPC code of 2900002097. The affected Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts come in 8.75-ounce cans with a “Best if Used By Date” of April 5, 2026, and an associated UPC code of 2900001621. Both products were distributed to Publix and Dollar Tree warehouses in April.
Hormel Foods Sales LLC has notified all retailers who received the affected products and has urged consumers who have purchased these products to discard them immediately or return them to the store where they were purchased for a replacement or full refund.
The company has also emphasized that there have been no reports of any illnesses associated with the recalled products. Hormel Foods has assured consumers that it remains committed to food safety and is conducting a full investigation to determine the potential source of contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria commonly found in soil, water, and some animals. The organism can enter food products through contaminated raw materials or during production and processing. If consumed, listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can lead to hospitalization, severe illness, or even death.
Symptoms of listeriosis may include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as the infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or harm to the unborn baby.
In light of the recall, Hormel Foods has advised consumers to be cautious and not consume the affected products. The company has also urged consumers to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of listeriosis after consuming the recalled products. Hormel has emphasized that this recall is a precautionary measure and is being undertaken to ensure the safety and well-being of its consumers.
Recalls are not uncommon in the food industry, and companies issue them from time to time to address potential safety concerns. However, Hormel Foods has assured consumers that this recall is an isolated incident and no other products or facilities are affected. The company has also stated that it is taking all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
