Sunland, Inc. today announced an expansion of its voluntary recall of its Almond Butter and Peanut Butter, to include its Cashew Butter, Tahini and Roasted Blanched Peanut Products. This recall is limited to products manufactured between May 1, 2012 and September 24, 2012.While there has been no word as to the direct cause, we know that Salmonella has been a troublesome issue for nut based products. For one, Salmonella is much more heat resistant in dry products. While in moist products such as meat and bread, Salmonella can be eliminated with lower temperatures. In dry products such as nuts, temperatures in the 230F range are needed. So there have been issues with nut processors under-processing nuts resulting in Salmonella contaminated product. Another issue is that Salmonella can survive in dry environments for extended periods of time. So if Salmonella contaminates the process environment, it can remain there for months. Being around for a long time, Salmonella can then have extended opportunity to contaminate the product. Facilities can have a difficult time eliminating Salmonella contamination once it gains a foothold in a processing plant.
So why does this recall continue to expand? If they can't decisively link the contamination to one lot of product, it will mean there is the possibility that more product may be contaminated. So out of abundance of caution, companies will recall any products that were made in this facility, whether as an ingredient or as a finished product. This includes all products, both nut and seed based items. The latest recalls include peanut butter crackers and Crisp Mix. (See Below)
If consumers have any of the recalled product, they should either dispose of the product or return to the store where they purchased it.
Peanut butter recall linked to salmonella illnesses now includes major retailers
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, October 1, 11:57 AM Printed in Washington Post.comhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/peanut-butter-recall-linked-to-salmonella-illnesses-now-includes-major-retailers/2012/10/01/603224be-0bdc-11e2-97a7-45c05ef136b2_story.html
WASHINGTON — A New Mexico company has expanded its recall of peanut butter and almond butter to include cashew butters, tahini and blanched and roasted peanut products.
Sunland Inc. sells its nuts and nut butters to large groceries and other food distributors around the country. The company recalled products under multiple brand names after salmonella illnesses were linked Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, one of the brands manufactured by Sunland.
The federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention says there are now 30 illnesses in 19 states that can be traced to the Trader Joe’s peanut butter. No other foods have been linked to the illnesses, but Sunland recalled other products manufactured on the same equipment as the Trader Joe’s product.
In addition to Trader Joe’s, the recall includes nut products sold at Whole Foods Market, Target, Fresh & Easy, Giant Food, Harry and David, Stop & Shop Supermarket Company and several other stores. Some of the stores used Sunland ingredients in items they prepared and packaged themselves.
Brand names recalled include Archer Farms, Earth Balance, Fresh & Easy, Late July, Heinen’s, Joseph’s, Natural Value, Naturally More, Open Nature, Peanut Power Butter, Serious Food, Snaclite Power, Sprouts Farmers Market, Sprout’s, Sunland and Dogsbutter, among others.
Sunland’s recall includes 101 products, and several retailers have issued additional recalls including items made with Sunland ingredients.
Those sickened reported becoming ill between June 11 and Sept. 11, according to the CDC. Almost two-thirds of those who became ill were children under the age of 10. No deaths have been reported.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 hours to 72 hours after infection. It is most dangerous to children, the elderly and others with weak immune systems.
FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney Infections Possibly Linked to Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter
Posted September 30, 2012 http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm320413.htm
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infections. We are moving quickly to learn as much as possible and prevent additional people from becoming ill. We recognize that people will be concerned about this outbreak, and we will continue to provide updates and advice.