SunOpta has expanded its recall of Planters branded sunflower kernels due to possible listeria contamination, part of a larger recall involving several major food retailers and producers.
The recalls all stem from SunOpta's sunflower processing plant in Crookston, in northwest Minnesota.
Toronto-based SunOpta, an ingredient supplier, has offices in Edina and several plants in Minnesota.
While listeria can cause a potentially fatal infection, there have been no reports of illnesses from any of the recalled products.
On May 4, SunOpta recalled bagged sunflower nuts under the Planters brand — which is owned by Kraft Heinz — and a regional brand called Dakota's Best Biggy'z. SunOpta had packaged those products.
SunOpta late Wednesday extended its recall to Planters' sunflower kernels in 3-ounce bags with "best used by" dates of March 13, 2017, to March 16, 2017. The company also recalled several lots of sunflower kernels sold in 1-ounce bags sold under the Sunrich Naturals label.
Since early May, sunflower nuts that SunOpta has supplied to other companies led to recalls by Giant Eagle and Kroger, two large supermarket chains, as well as by a specialty food producer that supplied broccoli and kale salads to Trader Joe's. Also, Treehouse Foods, one of the nation's largest private-label food makers, recalled dozens of products — including items sold at Hy-Vee stores.
There have been two other sunflower kernel-related recalls in the past two weeks, one by discount grocer Aldi, the other by Quaker Oats. Neither company — nor SunOpta itself — would comment on whether the sunflower kernels originated from SunOpta.
