Planters branded nut products have been recalled amid concerns about microbial infection that can be fatal for children and cause miscarriages among pregnant women, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The products are being pulled from the market as they have the potential to be contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes, “an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”
“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.”
The universal product code (UPC) for Honey Roasted Peanuts is 2900002097, with a “Best if Used By Date” of April 11, 2025. The Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts has a UPC of 2900001621 and a “Best if Used By Date” of April 5, 2026.
The recall affects two retailers in five U.S. states, with items shipped to Dollar Tree distribution warehouses in South Carolina and Georgia, as well as to Publix distribution warehouses in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina.
“There have been no reports of illness related to this recall to date, and all retailers that received the affected product have been properly notified,” according to the FDA notice.
The company advised Americans who have bought the product to discard it or return it to the store for an exchange or full refund. Images of the product can be found on the FDA notice webpage.
“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the recall notice stated.
Listeria Infection
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a listeria infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes is the “third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, or food poisoning, in the United States.”The agency estimates that 1,600 people get sick from listeria infections in the country every year, with roughly 260 individuals dying.
People who are at greater risk of infection are pregnant women and their newborns, individuals 65 years of age or older, and people with weakened immune systems. While other individuals can be infected with listeria, “they rarely become seriously ill,” the CDC noted.
Among pregnant women, symptoms can include fever and flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and muscle aches. Other people may exhibit additional symptoms like headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
Pregnant women who have invasive listeriosis may only show mild symptoms, with some females never having symptoms. Infection during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
For non-pregnant individuals, symptoms of invasive listeriosis can be “severe,” the CDC said while noting that almost one in 20 such individuals with the condition die.
Individuals carrying the invasive version of the illness are treated with antibiotics. Most people with intestinal illness recover from the condition without antibiotic treatment. However, antibiotics may be required for people who are very ill or at risk of becoming very ill.
The CDC identified queso fresco and cotija cheese made by a company called Rizo-Lopez Foods as being responsible for the 2024 outbreak.
“To slow down or prevent the growth of L. monocytogenes, set the refrigerator to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), and the freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius).”
If consumers think some food items may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the agency advised them to wash the insides of the refrigerator as well as cutting boards, countertops, utensils, and any other items that may have come into contact with the food.
These surfaces then need to be sanitized with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water.
Finally, the surfaces must be dried using a paper towel or clean cloth, the FDA stated.
