Sunland’s Recalls Whole Peanuts for Salmonella Risk

Sunland Inc. announced a new recall of all shelled and in-shell varieties of raw and roasted peanuts processed by the company due to the risk of salmonella contamination.

Sunland’s original recalls initially included Trader Joe’s peanut butter and later on other nut butter products that were made in a building separate from the one where the raw and roasted peanuts are processed. The nuts weren’t part of the first recalls because they were processed in a different plant.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall now includes whole peanuts that do not have a printed expiration date or are within their current shelf life, processed in Sunland’s peanut processing plant located in Portales, New Mexico.

Salmonella causes fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting but for those with a weakened immune system like children, pregnant women, and the elderly it can prove to be serious and fatal.

When the original recall was initiated, there had been reports of 29 illnesses linked to a particular Salmonella strain in 18 states. That number has since risen to 35 confirmed illnesses in 19 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The raw and roasted peanuts available to retail customers were distributed primarily under the company’s own label and were distributed to produce houses and numerous large supermarket, grocery, and retail chains. The products also were available for purchase online. Additional recalls by companies that have purchased the nuts are likely.

Sunland has ceased the production and distribution of all products from both its processing plants while the FDA and the company continue their investigation.Consumers are urged not to consume the recalled products and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

If you or someone you know has been harmed by an unsafe food product, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you.

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