(CNN) – Products containing sunflower seeds from a Minnesota-based company are under a voluntary recall in at least 24 states. The products are potentially contaminated by Listeria. The company also recalled several lots of sunflower kernels sold in one-ounce bags sold under the Sunrich Naturals label.
Advertisement
And the list of affected products has now lengthened after sunflower seed supplier SunOpta this week announced it was extending its recall period from the initial dates of February 1, 2016 and February 19 to include products produced February 20, 2016 through April 21, 2016. Papa John’s Salad and Produce has issued a separate voluntary recall of its Oriental Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing which were sold between May 18 through May 25.
No illnesses have been confirmed to date in connection with this recall. “The Company has completed its root cause analysis and is working with food safety experts to implement corrective and preventative measures”, the company said in a statement provided to the FDA.
Giant Eagle has voluntarily extended its recall of bulk sunflower seeds to five Pittsburgh area Market District and Market District Express stores due to possible Listeria contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that “can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems”, SunOpta said, adding healthy people may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The FDA has urged the consumers and buyers of these products to either throw them away or go to the store and return them for a refund.
Advertisement
They can be particularly risky for pregnant women, the elderly, children and anyone with a weak immune system due to a chronic condition.
