Recall of Sunflower Seeds Expanded Over Listeria Concerns

Affected products were sent to distribution centers in more than a dozen states and may have been sold nationwide

A nationwide recall of sunflower seeds has been expanded amid continuing concerns over listeria contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

SunOpta, a Minnesota supplier, voluntarily recalled sunflower seeds, snacks and salad toppers earlier this month after a spot check indicated some of the seeds may have been contaminated. The recall also includes some Planter’s brand products. 

The recall was expanded last week to include products made between Feb. 1, 2016 and April 21, 2016, when SunOpta halted production. No illnesses have been reported, according to the FDA.

Affected products were sent to distribution centers in more than a dozen states in March and April and may have been sold nationwide. Kroger and Pittsburgh-based Gold Eagle are among the retailers to sell them.

"SunOpta is committed to ensuring consumer safety and providing quality products and ingredients to customers. The Company has completed its root cause analysis and is working with food safety experts to implement corrective and preventative measures," the company said in a statement. "In an abundance of caution, SunOpta is voluntarily extending the period during which it is recalling a limited number of sunflower kernel products that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes."

The full list of affected products is available on the FDA's website.

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