Hormel Foods has announced a voluntary recall of certain Planters nuts sold in five states due to potential contamination with the bacteria listeria. The affected products include 4-ounce packages of honey roasted peanuts and 8.75-ounce cans of deluxe lightly salted mixed nuts, which were distributed to Publix supermarkets in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, as well as Dollar Tree stores in Georgia and South Carolina.
Hormel has confirmed that all potentially contaminated items were produced at one of its facilities in April. While there have been no reported illnesses associated with these products, listeria can be severe, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeria infection include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Prompt antibiotic treatment can help mitigate the effects of the infection. However, it is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of listeria and protect those who may be at higher risk of complications from infection. Hormel advises customers who have purchased the recalled products to either dispose of them or return them to the store for an exchange.