SunOpta : EXPANDED Recall Period of Certain Sunflower Kernel Products Due to Possible Contamination by Listeria monocytogenes

As a precaution, SunOpta expanded its voluntary recall of a limited number of sunflower kernel products that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

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Planters Sunflower Kernels (Photo: Business Wire)

The initial recall was limited to sunflower kernel products produced at SunOpta’s Crookston, Minn. facility between the dates of February 1, 2016 and February 19, 2016. The expanded recall includes products produced February 20, 2016 through April 21, 2016, the date on which the facility ceased production of the products. No illnesses have been confirmed related to the consumption of this product.

Recalled retail items were sold in clear printed plastic packages and are marked with Best By Dates located on the front or back of the packages. Listed below are details regarding the recalled items:

Recalled products were distributed to distribution centers during the months of March and April 2016 in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas and may be redistributed to other states nationwide.

Consumers are urged not to consume these products. Consumers who purchased these products may take them back to the store where they purchased them for a refund or simply discard them. Consumers seeking information may email contactus@sunopta.com or call 1-888-886-4428 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

Retailers and wholesale customers should check their inventories and shelves to confirm that none of the recalled products are present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories. Please contact SunOpta at contactus@sunopta.com to arrange for disposal or return of the product.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Company provided the following statement:

“SunOpta is committed to ensuring consumer safety and providing quality products and ingredients to customers. The Company has completed its root cause analysis and is working with food safety experts to implement corrective and preventative measures. In an abundance of caution, SunOpta is voluntarily extending the period during which it is recalling a limited number of sunflower kernel products that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.”

About SunOpta

SunOpta Inc. is a leading global company focused on organic, non-genetically modified ("non-GMO") and specialty foods. SunOpta specializes in the sourcing, processing and packaging of organic and non-GMO food products, integrated from seed through packaged products; with a focus on strategic vertically integrated business models. SunOpta's organic and non-GMO food operations revolve around value-added grain, seed, fruit and vegetable based product offerings, supported by a global sourcing and supply infrastructure.

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