Minnesota Ag Connection - SunOpta Recalls Sunflower Kernels for Listeria

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SunOpta Recalls Sunflower Kernels for Listeria
Minnesota Ag Connection - 05/05/2016

SunOpta is voluntarily recalling a limited number of sunflower kernel products that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The products were produced at SunOpta’s Crookston, Minn. facility between the dates of February 1, 2016 and February 19, 2016. No illnesses have been reported to date, but in an abundance of caution SunOpta is recalling the products.

Recalled retail items were sold in clear printed plastic packages and are marked with Best By Dates located on the front or back of the packages. Listed below are details regarding the recalled items:

-- Dakota’s Best Biggy’s Roasted and Salted Kernels 16 oz. 834648001484 FEB-11-17C2 02/11/2017

-- Planters Sunflower Kernels 3 oz. 029000012714 7065A3, 7065B3, 7065C3, 7066A3, 7066B3, 7066C3, 7067A3, 7067B3, 7067C3 03/0

Recalled products were distributed to distribution centers between February 22, 2016 and February 25, 2016 in Illinois and North Dakota, and may be redistributed to other states nationwide.

Consumers are urged not to consume these products. Consumers who purchased these products may take them back to the store where they purchased them for a refund or simply discard them. Consumers seeking information may emailcontactus@sunopta.com or call 1-877-237-4374 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Time.

Retailers and wholesale customers should check their inventories and shelves to confirm that none of the products are present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories. Please contact SunOpta atcontactus@sunopta.com to arrange for disposal or return of the product.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The company provided the following statement, “The quality and safety of the food we produce and the ingredients we provide are the highest priority for us. Therefore, we are voluntarily recalling a limited number of sunflower kernel products that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes . We have isolated the production window to a short timeframe and are working with the FDA and customers to control and dispose of affected product. We are aware of one customer complaint that did not involve an illness, and we are not aware of any consumer issues due to consumption of this product.

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