Walnuts Recalled Due to Listeria

A Woodstock, NJ company is recalling various Walnut products purchased from Gibson Farms after a sample of that product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.   This comes after another recall last week for sunflower seeds, although there does not appear to be any real connection.

Makes you wonder whether people will start testing the heck out of nut products for Listeria?  These products, because of low moisture / water activity, will not support the growth of Listieria.  And because they are produced in a dry environment, one would expect that environmental contamination would be minimal.  That being said, one would expect levels to be very low.

The biggest risk for these nuts would be if they were added as an ingredient to a product that supported growth.  And depending on the level, which would be expected to be very low, would only be a risk to those with a highly impaired immune system.

With two recalls, more research is needed to understand how Listeria is getting onto nuts, the levels present, and what real risk it poses.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500345.htm
United Natural Trading LLC Announces Voluntary Recall of Walnuts
For Immediate Release
May 10, 2016

Contact
ConsumersMelissa McCullough Email 732-650-9905
MediaMelissa McCullough mmccullough@unfi.com 732-650-9905

Announcement
View Product Photos

United Natural Trading LLC, d/b/a Woodstock Farms Manufacturing, Edison, NJ, is voluntarily recalling a limited number of lots of conventional walnuts and walnut-containing products (see attachment for products and lot numbers) that were purchased from Gibson Farms and sold under the Nature’s Promise, Woodstock, Market Basket, and Woodfield Farms brands due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune symptoms. 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 lot numbers are printed on the back of each retail bag. The walnut and walnut-containing products were shipped to retailers and distributors in limited quantities throughout the United States.

The recall was issued as a precaution because a single sample in a finished product yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. The Company is coordinating closely with regulatory officials and has contacted its customers to ensure that any remaining recalled products are removed.

No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall and no other walnuts or products under the brands are being recalled.

Only the specific lot numbers and sell dates identified in the attachment are included in this recall. Consumers who have any remaining product with these lot numbers should not consume it, but rather should discard it. Consumers should retain their store receipts, packaging reflecting lot numbers or any other proof of purchase they may have. Retailers and consumers with questions may call Melissa McCullough at Woodstock Farms Manufacturing customer service at 732-650-9905, which is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST) Monday - Friday.

For list of product - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500345.htm

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500558.htm
Publix Recalls Cranberry Nut And Seed Mix Due To Possible Health Risk


May 10, 2016

LAKELAND, Fla – Publix Super Markets is issuing a voluntary recall for cranberry nut and seed mix because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. Publix received notification of the potential contamination from the walnut supplier, Woodstock Farms, after routine testing was completed. The 7.05 ounce plastic containers of prepackaged cranberry nut and seed mix were sold at Publix retail produce departments in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina with a UPC of 41415-34986 and with use by dates August 7, 2016 through August 30, 2016.

Consumption of products containing Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection 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.

"As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted product has been removed from all store shelves," said Maria Brous, Publix media and community relations director. "To date, there have been no reported cases of illness. Consumers who have purchased the products in question may return the product to their local store for a full refund. Publix customers with additional questions may call our Consumer Relations department at 1-800-242-1227 or by visiting our website at www.publix.com. Customers can also contact the US Food and Drug Administration at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366)."

Publix is privately owned and operated by its 179,500 employees, with 2015 sales of $32.4 billion. Currently Publix has 1,113 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. The company has been named one of Fortune’s "100 Best Companies to Work For in America" for 19 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business.