General Mills is recalling four flavors of Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars and Nature Valley Simple Nut Bars for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This is part of the SunOpta sunflower seed recall that was issued in early May, 2016. There have not been any “direct consumer reports of confirmed illness related to this supplier issue,” according to the press release.
The recall is for all dates. The release states, “Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the products affected by this recall, regardless of when they were purchased or what date is on the package.”
The products recalled are Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar – Honey, Peanut & Almond with Pumpkin Seeds – 5 count, with UPC number 000-16000-47196. Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar – Peanut, Almond & Dark Chocolate in 5 count packages with UPC number 000-16000-45724 is recalled. Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Roasted Peanut & Honey in 4 count packages, with UPC number 000-16000-46475 is recalled. Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Roasted Peanut & Honey in 16 count packages is also recalled, with UPC number 000-16000-41308. Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt in 4 count packages with UPC number 000-16000-46474 is recalled. Finally, Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt in 25 count packages is recalled. The UPC number for that product is 000-16000-41301. You can see pictures of the recalled products at the FDA web site.
If you purchased these products, regardless of the date or when they were purchased, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed container in a secure garbage receptacle, or return them to the store where you bought them for a refund. Then clean out your pantry or cupboards or wherever you stored the products with a mild bleach solution of one tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of warm water to kill any bacteria. Wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning and after handling the products.
If you ate any of these products, monitor yourself for the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes food poisoning for the next 70 days. Those symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If you do get sick, see your doctor. Listeriosis can be a serious illness.
