MANKATO, Minnesota – Despite a decrease in overall inflation rates, the cost of groceries continues to rise, outpacing the general rate of inflation. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices have surged by 21% over the past three years, exceeding the 18% inflation rate during the same period.
Hormel Foods Sales, LLC, based in Minnesota, recently issued a recall for two Planters products that were produced at one of its facilities and distributed to several states in the southeast region of the U.S. The recall was initiated due to concerns that the products could potentially cause fatal infections.
The affected products, which included Honey Roasted Peanuts and Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts, were produced by Hormel for Planters at its facility before being distributed to Publix and Dollar Tree warehouses in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Following their production and distribution in April, Hormel identified that the packaged contents might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals who consume contaminated products may experience short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Pregnant women who contract Listeria infections are also at risk of complications such as miscarriages or stillbirths. The specific products being recalled are 4-ounce packages of Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts and 8.75-ounce cans of Planters Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts, with identifiable UPC codes and best by dates.
Hormel emphasized that these are the only products included in the recall and confirmed that there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the affected products. The company has notified all retailers impacted by the recall and advises consumers not to consume the recalled nuts, but instead to discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a replacement or refund.
As part of their commitment to food safety, Hormel assured consumers that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the source of the contamination. For any inquiries or concerns regarding the recall, customers can contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations directly at 800-523-4635.