Food inflation remains strong
Inflation is falling but buying food can still be expensive. Grocery prices surged 21% in the last three years, surpassing the overall 18% pace of inflation during that same time period, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Minnesota-based Hormel Foods Sales LLC issued a recall for two Planters products produced at one of its facilities and distributed to five states in the southeast portion of the U.S. because they could cause fatal infections.
Hormel manufactured the tainted Honey Roasted Peanuts and Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts for Planters at a specific facility, subsequently distributing them to Publix warehouses in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, along with Dollar Tree warehouses in South Carolina and Georgia.
In April, following production and distribution, Hormel identified potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes in the packaged items.
Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful organism, has the potential to trigger severe and occasionally fatal infections in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Hormel recalled Planters Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts distributed to Publix and Dollar Tree in the southeastern U.S. (FDA / Fox News)
Cans of Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts have a “Best if Used By Date” on the bottom as well as a UPC code on the side.
The UPC code for Honey Roasted Peanuts in question is 2900002097 with a best-by date of April 11, 2025. For deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts, the UPC code in question is 2900001621 and the best-by date is April 5, 2026.
This image depicts the U.S. Food and Drug Administration headquarters located in White Oak, Maryland. (Stefani Reynolds / Bloomberg / File / Getty Images)
The company further stated that there have been no reported cases of individuals falling ill from the recalled items, and all impacted retailers have been informed.
Individuals in possession of the affected products are advised against consuming the nuts. Instead, they are encouraged to either dispose of them or return them to the store of purchase for a replacement or a full refund.
Hormel emphasized, “Our topmost priority remains ensuring food safety.” They added, “A comprehensive investigation is presently underway to identify the potential source of the contamination.”
