Minneapolis, Minnesota – Despite decreasing inflation rates, the cost of groceries remains high, with a 21% increase in prices over the past three years. This surge in grocery prices has outpaced the overall inflation rate of 18% during the same period, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Hormel Foods Sales, LLC, based in Minnesota, recently issued a recall for two Planters products produced at one of its facilities. These products were distributed to five states in the southeastern region of the United States due to concerns about potential fatal infections.
The affected products, Honey Roasted Peanuts and Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts, were produced by Hormel for Planters and distributed to Publix and Dollar Tree warehouses in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. After detecting contamination with Listeria monocytogenes in the packaged contents in April, Hormel took immediate action to recall the products.
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful organism that can lead to serious and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of consumption may include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Pregnant women are also at risk of complications including miscarriages or stillbirths if infected with Listeria. The specific products subject to the recall are 4-ounce packages of Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts and 8.75-ounce cans of Planters Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts, identifiable by their UPC codes and best by dates.
Hormel has emphasized that these are the only products affected by the recall and that no reports of illnesses linked to the contaminated nuts have been received. The company has notified all retailers impacted by the recall and urged consumers to refrain from consuming the products, opting instead to return them for a replacement or full refund.
As part of its ongoing commitment to food safety, Hormel is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the source of the contamination. Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall are encouraged to contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations at 800-523-4635 for assistance.
