Sunland, Inc., the Portales-New Mexico based peanut grower, has expanded its nationwide peanut recall even further to include raw and roasted peanuts. The company took the measure as a precaution in the midst of a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 35 people in 19 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The company said that customers should avoid eating raw and roasted Sunland peanuts, both shelled and in the shell that are still in their current shelf life.

Roasted peanuts included in this recall were distributed between April 12, 2012 to October 12, 2012, and have a best by / expiration date on the package from October 12, 2012 to April 12, 2013.

Raw peanuts affected by the recall were distributed from October 12, 2011 to October 12, 2012 and have a “best by” date between October 12, 2012 and October 12, 2013, or they may have a “crop year” marking on the package of 2011 or 2012. Moreover, some of the peanuts may have no stated expiration date.

Most of the peanuts were distributed under Sunland’s own label to produce suppliers, large supermarket, grocery, and retail chains. The peanuts were also sold online.

The original recall initiated by Sunland on September 24 included peanut butter and other nut butter products produced in a separate building from where raw and roasted peanuts are processed. At that time, 29 people in about 18 states had become ill from a strain of Salmonella Bredeney. Twelve of the 14 people interviewed at that time reported having eaten the same single product — Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, made Sunland peanuts.

Since the recall was announced, additional confirmed illnesses have been reported. As of October 5, the total number of confirmed illnesses stood at 35. The most recent recall expansion is the result of a joint investigation being conducted by Sunland and FDA officials. Sunland has reportedly stopped all production at its peanut butter plant and peanut processing plant while investigators try to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

Source:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Products Added to Recall on October 12, 2012:

Products previously recalled on September 24, 2012 and October 4, 2012: 

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