International Recall of Peanut Spread due to Positive Listeria Test

Providence, Rhode Island based company “Nuts ‘N More” is recalling plain peanut spread after a sample tested positive for Listeria. The peanut spread product is distributed internationally, which means the potential for harm is widespread. If you use Nuts ‘N More products, be aware of this product that could make you sick. Here is what consumers need to know to stay safe and avoid foodborne illness.

Nuts ‘N More Announces International Recall

Nuts ‘N More announced the international recall of their peanut spread product after a routine test found Listeria in a finished product. The test was conducted by a third-party laboratory. In the wake of the test, Nuts ‘N More has stopped producing and distributing their peanut spread while an investigation continues.

The peanut spread that is being recalled is distributed to eight states in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom (U.K.). The eight U.S. states are Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island and Virginia. The company estimates more than 4,000 units of the peanut spread are subject to the recall.

Recall Information for Consumers

Consumers who regularly purchase Nuts ‘N More peanut spread should check their products carefully.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) company announcement posting, consumers can identify the recalled product by the following:

Nuts ‘N More Plain Peanut Spread
16 ounce plastic jar
Lot PB91 (printed on the lid)
Expiration date 3/4/2021 (printed on the lid)

Consumers who have recalled peanut spread can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions about the recall, consumers can contact Nuts ‘N More by calling 1-844-413-2344, or email them at questionsl@nuts-n-more.com.

Information about Listeria

Listeria infection, also called listeriosis, develops after exposure to the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. There are six species of Listeria found in nature, but only Listeria monocytogenes causes illness in humans. Listeria bacterium is unique because it can withstand an environment that has no oxygen. It can also thrive in temperatures ranging from 86-degrees to 98.6-degrees. Some sources suggest that it also multiplies in refrigerated environments, which means it can live in food products for an extended period of time.

What are the Symptoms of Listeria Infection?

The symptoms of Listeria infection can begin within days of exposure to the bacterium, or it could take weeks. Listeria bacterium is opportunistic, which means it can live dormant until the body is weak enough for the infection to take hold. It also is generally more severe in people who have medical conditions that weaken their resilience.

In healthy people, Listeria generally does not cause significant health problems. The most common symptoms of listeriosis are:

Fever
Nausea
Diarrhea
Muscle pain

Among healthy people, listeriosis generally resolves in a matter of days. Young children and the elderly may experience more severe symptoms. Pregnant women are also at risk because listeriosis can be transmitted to the fetus.

In some people, listeriosis impacts the central nervous system, which can cause more significant and concerning symptoms, such as:

Headache
Neck stiffness
Confusion
Difficulty balancing
Convulsions

These symptoms are most common among people who have a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition. Some people can also experience complications of listeriosis. Serious complications are rare, but they do occur. These complications include:

Miscarriage if listeriosis occurs early during pregnancy
Infection that spreads to the blood (septicemia)
Inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis)
Premature birth or stillbirth if listeriosis occurs during the third trimester
In rare cases, listeriosis can be fatal

Is Listeriosis Preventable?

It is possible to avoid becoming sick with listeriosis. Like many foodborne illnesses, the key to preventing sickness is proper hand hygiene and food safety practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following:

Avoid soft cheeses that are made with unpasteurized milk.
When using alfalfa, radish or mung bean sprouts, cook them thoroughly. The environment for growing raw sprouts is ideal for Listeria bacterium growth.
When eating melon, refrigerate it right away. Use cut melons within seven days.
Do not allow juice from lunchmeat or hotdogs to get onto other foods. Lunchmeat and hotdogs are a common source of Listeria.
Wash all raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking.
Do not use the same cutting board to cut fruit or vegetables that you use to cut meat.
Wash your hands thoroughly after preparing raw food, and between handling different foods.
Sanitize kitchen surfaces that may have been in contact with bacteria.

Basic food safety practices can go a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy. Unfortunately, there is no way to identify food that is contaminated with Listeria bacterium. Therefore, it is important to be aware of products that are high risk, such as those mentioned above. It is also important to be aware of product recalls, such as the international recall of Nuts ‘N More peanut spread.

International Recall Highlights Importance of Awareness

Being aware of recalls helps you avoid potentially dangerous products and reduces the risk of illness. At Bad Food Recall, we want to make sure that you have the information you need to keep your family healthy. To find out more about current recalls or foodborne illnesses, take a look at our website.

If you or someone you love has suffered harm due to a contaminated or recalled food, contact us to find out more about your legal rights. As a consumer, you may have the right to hold the responsible manufacturer or producer accountable for the harm they cause. Find out more by calling Bad Food Recall at 1-877-534-5750. You can also email us via our online form.

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