Planters Peanuts Recall: Affected Products And What To Do
Hormel recalls specific Planters nuts due to potential Listeria contamination—details on affected products, states, and health risks.
Hormel Foods Sales LLC has issued a voluntary recall for specific Planters nut products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a serious bacterium that poses health risks particularly to vulnerable populations. This recall, announced in early May 2024 and posted by the FDA, affects limited quantities distributed to select retailers in five states. No illnesses have been reported as of the latest updates, but consumers are urged to check their products and dispose of or return them.
What Products Are Recalled?
The recall is strictly limited to two specific Planters products produced at one Hormel facility in April 2024. No other sizes, varieties, or packaging of Planters brand nuts are included.
- 4 oz. packages of Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts
- UPC code: 2900002097
- Best If Used By date: April 11, 2025
- Shipped to Publix distribution warehouses in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina
- 8.75 oz. cans of Planters Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts
- UPC code: 2900001621
- Best If Used By date: April 5, 2026
- Shipped to Publix distribution warehouses in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, and Dollar Tree distribution warehouses in South Carolina and Georgia
These details match the FDA’s official recall posting and Hormel’s press release. Consumers should inspect the UPC and best-by dates on their packages to confirm if affected.
Why Was the Recall Issued?
Hormel initiated this Class 1 voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution after internal testing indicated potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination at the manufacturing facility. The company did not specify the exact detection method but confirmed coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All notified retailers have removed the products from shelves, minimizing further distribution.
Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy bacterium that can survive and even grow in refrigerated environments, unlike many other pathogens. It often contaminates ready-to-eat foods like nuts if hygiene lapses occur during processing.
Health Risks of Listeria Contamination
Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, which can be severe despite the food appearing and smelling normal. Symptoms may take up to 70 days to appear after exposure, including high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In healthy adults, it might cause short-term flu-like illness, but risks are higher for certain groups.
- High-risk groups: Pregnant women (risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn infection), newborns, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer patients).
- Symptoms in vulnerable individuals: Can lead to life-threatening bloodstream infections, meningitis, or encephalitis.
The CDC estimates about 1,600 listeriosis cases and 260 deaths annually in the U.S., underscoring the importance of recalls like this. If you’ve consumed the recalled products, monitor for symptoms and consult a doctor, especially if in a high-risk group.
Affected States and Retailers
The products reached distribution centers for two major retailers:
| Retailer | States | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Publix | Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina | Both products |
| Dollar Tree | South Carolina, Georgia | Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts only |
This targeted distribution limits the recall’s scope, but shoppers in these Southeastern states should verify purchases.
What Should Consumers Do?
Do not consume the recalled products. Options include:
- Discard them immediately, following local guidelines for food waste.
- Return to the point of purchase (Publix or Dollar Tree) for a full exchange or refund—no receipt required in most cases.
For questions, contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations at 1-800-523-4635, via chat on the Planters website, or email. The company is available weekdays during business hours.
Background on Listeria Outbreaks in Nuts
Nuts have been implicated in past Listeria recalls due to their low moisture content, which doesn’t always prevent bacterial growth in processing environments. For instance, similar issues have affected peanuts and tree nuts when post-roast contamination occurs. Hormel’s action aligns with FDA best practices for rapid response to prevent outbreaks.
Consumers can reduce risks by:
- Washing hands before handling nuts.
- Storing in cool, dry places.
- Checking recalls regularly via FDA or USDA sites.
Company Response and FDA Oversight
Hormel Foods, which owns the Planters brand, emphasized the limited nature of the recall and no confirmed illnesses. The FDA classifies this as a Class I recall, the most serious type, indicating a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences.
This proactive measure protects public health and maintains consumer trust in a brand known for quality snacks since 1906.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all Planters peanuts recalled?
No, only the specific 4 oz. Honey Roasted Peanuts (UPC 2900002097, best by April 11, 2025) and 8.75 oz. Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts (UPC 2900001621, best by April 5, 2026). Other products are safe.
Has anyone gotten sick from these nuts?
No illnesses reported as of May 2024 announcements. Monitor symptoms if consumed.
Which stores sold the recalled Planters nuts?
Publix in FL, GA, AL, NC; Dollar Tree in SC, GA.
What are Listeria symptoms?
Fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, diarrhea. Seek medical help if high-risk.
How do I get a refund?
Return to store or contact Hormel at 800-523-4635.
Is Listeria common in nuts?
Rare but possible during processing; recalls prevent issues.
Staying Safe: Tips for Nut Consumption
While this recall is resolved for most, general vigilance helps. Buy from reputable sources, check expiration dates, and stay updated on recalls. Nuts offer healthy fats, protein, and nutrients—enjoy safely!
This incident highlights food safety systems working: detection, notification, and removal before harm. For updates, visit FDA recall page.
References
- Hormel Foods Sales, LLC Recalls a Limited Number of Planters® Honey Roasted Peanuts (4 oz.) and Planters® Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts (8.75 oz.) — U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 2024-05. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hormel-foods-sales-llc-recalls-limited-number-plantersr-honey-roasted-peanuts-4-oz-and-plantersr
- Hormel Recalls Certain Flavors of Planters Peanuts — Powder/Bulk Solids. 2024-05-06. https://www.powderbulksolids.com/food-beverage/hormel-recalls-certain-flavors-of-planters-peanuts
- Planters Nuts Sold in Many Stores Recalled Over Listeria — AARP. 2024-05. https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/planters-nuts-recall-listeria-05-2024/
- Hormel Foods recalls Planters nuts because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes — Food Safety News. 2024-05. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/05/hormel-foods-recalls-planters-nuts-because-of-contamination-with-listeria-monocytogenes/
- Voluntary Recall of PLANTERS Products Due to Potential Listeria monocytogenes Contamination — Contagion Live. 2024-05-03. https://www.contagionlive.com/view/voluntary-recall-of-planters-products-due-to-potential-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination
- Planters Nuts Recall Video — WRAL (YouTube). 2024-05-06. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOQ2YUK7S-E
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