Hormel Foods has issued a recall of two Planters nut products

 

Hormel Foods has issued a recall of two Planters nut products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illness. The recall affects 4-ounce packages of honey roasted peanuts and 8.75-ounce cans of deluxe lightly salted mixed nuts, which were distributed to retailers in five Southern states.

The recalled products have "best if used by" dates of April 11, 2025, for the peanuts and April 5, 2026, for the mixed nuts. Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or exchange.

As of the recall announcement, there have been no reported illnesses associated with these products. However, Hormel Foods is conducting an investigation to identify the potential source of the contamination.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the type of infection. Intestinal illness caused by Listeria can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms that typically develop within a day of consuming contaminated food. In some cases, the infection can spread and lead to a more severe illness with flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches, fatigue, and fever.

Listeria is particularly dangerous for certain populations, including pregnant women, newborns, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In pregnant individuals, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,600 people in the United States contract listeriosis each year, resulting in around 260 deaths.

Listeria can be detected through laboratory testing, and most people recover from the infection without treatment. However, more severe cases can be treated with antibiotics.

Consumers are urged to take this recall seriously and take immediate action to discard or return the recalled products. Food safety is a critical public health concern, and recalls like this one help prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

It is essential for consumers to stay informed about food recalls and to take steps to protect themselves and their families from foodborne illness. This includes regularly checking food recall notices, following safe food handling practices, and being aware of the risks associated with certain foods and populations. By working together, we can reduce the incidence of foodborne illness and keep our communities safe and healthy.