A few weeks ago, Whole Foods was targeted by the FDA for failing to meet health standards in their food storage and handling facilities. Not too long afterward, a pasta salad sold at Whole Foods stores was recalled.
The underlying concern behind both these incidents was fear of listeria contamination.
Listeria is a disease that can cause fever, aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Most healthy individuals won’t be significantly affected if they ingest the listeria-causing bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, but for those with compromised immune systems, developing listeria might be fatal.
Yet another recall has been issued due to concerns about Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
General Mills, Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of four of their Nature Valley protein and nut bar products. The sunflower kernels in these products, provided by the company SunOpta Inc., may have been contaminated with listeria-causing bacteria.
The four flavors, found in six different packaging options, are as follows:
Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar Honey, Peanut & Almond with Pumpkin Seeds, packaged in five-count boxes with the UPC number 000-16000-47196
Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar-Peanut, Almond & Dark Chocolate packaged in five-count boxes with the UPC number 000-16000-45724
Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar Roasted Peanut & Honey packaged in four-count boxes with the UPC number 000-16000-46475
Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar Roasted Peanut & Honey packaged in 16-count boxes with the UPC number 000-16000-41308
Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt packaged in four-count boxes with the UPC number 000-16000-46474
Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt packaged in 25-count boxes with the UPC number 000-16000-41301
These products were distributed across the United States, and General Mills is not taking any risks. Anyone who has any of these products in their homes, regardless of when they purchased the product, has been requested to toss the food item.
Any consumer who tosses a product from their home may contact General Mills for a replacement.
