Health
FDA Cranks Up Walnut Recall to Most Severe Health Risk Level Amid Listeria Concerns
Clear Facts
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a nut recall to a “Class I” health risk warning, the most severe level, due to potential listeria exposure.
- The product in question is shelled walnuts from Stutz Packing Company, which were initially voluntarily recalled in July. These nuts were distributed to food banks, school lunch programs, shelters, and prison food systems in Texas and Arizona.
- No reported illnesses or fatalities have been associated with the recall. Consumers who have the product are advised to discard it or return it to the place of purchase.
In a significant update, the FDA has escalated its earlier recall of shelled walnuts from Stutz Packing Company to a “Class I” warning, the highest level of health risk. This reclassification indicates a “reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to agency terminology.
The Stutz Packing Company, located in Indio, California, initially voluntarily recalled these nuts in July. Last week, the FDA upgraded this recall to reflect the increased level of risk.
The 1-pound packages under scrutiny were distributed to food bank warehouses in Texas and Arizona before being sent to smaller food banks, school lunch programs, shelters, and prison food systems.
Consumers can identify the affected packages by looking for lots numbered 24171 1 or 24172 1, printed in black on the bag’s front. The UPC code to look for is 7 15001 00908 1.
Despite the serious nature of the reclassification, no illnesses or deaths have been connected to the recall thus far. The listeria risk was found during routine sampling processes on finished products.
Upon discovering this risk, Stutz ceased the production and distribution of the product in July. Both the company and the FDA are continuing their investigation into the matter.
This situation follows a listeria outbreak earlier this summer, which was traced back to deli meats. That outbreak resulted in three fatalities and dozens of illnesses.
It’s noteworthy that the recall does not extend to other sizes, varieties, or packages of Stutz’s shelled walnuts.
Listeria, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poses a particular risk to pregnant individuals, those over 65, and people with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments.
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