SunOpta is recalling some sunflower kernels because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to date, but listeriosis, the illness caused by this bacteria, can take up to 70 day to appear.
The recalled items are Dakota’s Best Biggy’s Roasted and Salted Kernels in 16 ounce packages. The UPC number is 834648001484, the lot number is FEB-11-17-C2, and the best by date is 02/11/2017. Also recalled is Planters Sunflower Kernels in 3 ounce bags. The UPC number is 029000012714, the lot numbers are 7065A3, 7065B3, 7065C3, 7066A3, 7066B3, 7066C3, 7067A3, 7067B3, and 7067C3. The best by dates are 03/06/2017, 03/07/2017, and 03/08/2017.
These sunflower kernels were distributed to distribution centers between February 22 and February 25, 2016 in Illinois and North Dakota. They may have been distributed to other states nationwide.
If you purchased either of these products, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed container or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Then wash your cupboard 0r wherever the nuts were stored with a mild bleach solution of one tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of warm water to kill any remaining bacteria. Wash your hands well after handling the packages.
If you ate any of these recalled products, watch yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. This illness can take that long to manifest, but most people get sick within three weeks.
Those symptoms include flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, fever, stiff neck, loss of balance, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you do get sick, see your doctor and tell him you ate this recalled product. Pregnant women need to be especially careful about listeriosis, because it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature labor, even if the woman is only mildly ill.
