Nuts ‘N More of East Providence, RI, has initiated an international recall for some of its plain “Peanut Spread” because tests showed a sample of the finished product was contaminated with Listeria.
The company reports distributing the product to eight U.S. states as well as Canada and the United Kingdom, according to a recall notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration website. The eight states are Virginia, Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island, Maine, Alabama, Indiana and Florida. A total of 4,143 jars are implicated.
No illnesses had been reported in relation to the product as of the posting of the recall notice today.
Consumers can determine whether they have the recalled peanut spread by looking for the following label information on 16-ounce plastic jars of the product:
• Nuts ‘N More – Plain Peanut Spread
• LOT PB91 (Lot and Exp. Located on the lid)
• EXP 03/04/2021
“The recall was a result of potential Listeria species in a finished product found through routine testing. The company has ceased the production and distribution of this product as (the) state of Rhode Island and the company continue their investigation.
Testing of the product was performed by a third-party laboratory,” according to the company’s recall notice.
Consumers who have purchased Nuts ‘N More Plain Peanut Spread Lot PB91 are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at questionsl@nuts-n-more.com
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
Source: Food Safety News