Indio, California-based Stutz Packing Company has recalled its 1-pound bags of shelled walnuts because a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination has been identified in the product, reports the FDA.
While healthy people infected with the organism may only experience short-lived symptoms like “high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea,” the infection has been known to turn serious and sometimes fatal in those with weakened immune systems, such as young children and elderly individuals. Pregnant women undergoing a Listeria infection may suffer miscarriages and stillbirths.
Initiated by the company on July 19, 2024, and announced on the FDA site on July 22, 2024, the recall covers packages of walnuts that were initially distributed to food bank warehouses across Texas and Arizona before being sub-distributed to other distribution centers. From those centers, the products made their way to consumers and community members via smaller food banks, and were made available in “school lunch programs, shelters, or prison food systems.”
The one-pound shelled walnut products come in a clear plastic bag marked at the center by a white box outlined in red, and within that box, the words “SHELLED WALNUTS” in blue. Affected products can be found under Universal Product Code (UPC) 7 15001 00908 1 and one of the following lot codes, in black ink at the front of the bag:
- 24171 1
- 24172 1
Stutz Packing Company halted all production and distribution of the product after learning that routine sampling had revealed the bacteria in a sample of the finished products. At this time, the company is working with the FDA to investigate the origin of the problem. Consumers should note that no other Stutz-branded products in any other sizes, varieties, or packing styles, are affected by the recall.
While Stutz has not received any reports of infections or other illnesses connected to the recall, anyone who may have purchased the product is asked to dispose of the item or return it to the point of purchase. Consumers with further questions or concerns may reach out to Sasha Morales via email at smorales@stutzpacking.com, or by phone at 760-230-9547. Calls are monitored Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Have you or a loved one suffered an adverse health outcome that can be traced to a Listeria monocytogenes contamination in a packaged food item? After a potentially traumatic medical event, you deserve to be fairly compensated. Our seasoned attorneys at TruLaw are personally motivated in defending consumer safety and holding negligent parties responsible. Contact us today or try out our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠ to learn more about how we can support you through the legal process.