Sunland Recall Expands to Include Whole Peanuts

By News Desk | October 13, 2012 Sunland, Inc., the New Mexico-based company whose peanut butter was named as the likely source of an ongoing Salmonella outbreak in late September, has expanded its recall to include whole peanuts, which have now been linked to illnesses. The company announced the expanded recall in a press release Friday, noting that "The extension being announced today is the result of the continued joint investigation by the Company and FDA." The nuts just added to Sunland's recall list include raw and roasted shelled and in-shell peanuts. These products were processed in the company's peanut processing plant, which is housed in a different facility from the one where Sunland's peanut butters are made. Both plants are located in Portales, New Mexico. Sunland has halted production and distribution at both facilities while FDA and the company continue their investigation, according to the press release. At least 35 cases of Salmonella Bredeney infection had been linked to Sunland products as of October 5 when CDC issued its last update on the outbreak. A total of 68 whole peanut products – mostly sold under the Sunland brand – are listed as part of this latest recall. The peanuts were distributed to produce houses and large retail chains across the country, in addition to being purchased on the internet. Roasted and salted peanuts subject to the recall were distributed during the six months prior to the recall date (April 12, 2012 – October 12, 2012). Their packages will be marked with best by or expiration dates of October 12, 2012 through April 12, 2013. Raw peanuts subject to the recall (both shelled and in-shell), were distributed over the year prior to the recall date, encompassing dates of October 12, 2011 through October 12, 2012. Packaging containing these raw products will either bear a best by date of October 12, 2012 through October 13, 2012 or a "Crop Year" of 2011 or 2012. See the company press release for a full list of newly recalled products. Anyone who bought an item subject to this recall is urged to return it to its place of purchase for a full refund or discard it immediately. © Food Safety News More Headlines from Food Recalls » Tags: in-shell peanuts, peanuts, Salmonella, Salmonella Bredeney, shelled peanuts, Sunland