Walnuts recalled after product sampling finds Listeria

Stutz Packing Company of Indio, CA is recalling 1-pound packages of Shelled Walnuts because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The recall was the result of routine sampling which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. Stutz has ceased the production and distribution of this product as FDA and Stutz continue their investigation.

These Walnuts were distributed to food bank warehouses in Texas and Arizona and further distributed to other distribution centers that can go to consumers, or smaller foods banks, school lunch programs, shelters or prison food systems.

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications, and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

Recalled product:

“SHELLED WALNUTS” – 1-pound packages

• UPC Code – 7 15001 00908 1 
• The product comes in a 1-pound, clear plastic packaging with a red outlined white box printed in the center of the bag. 
• Lot code 24171 1 or 24172 1, printed in black on the front of the bag
• Code Example: 24171 1A or 24171 1E Digits 1 & 2: YY (Year 2024) Digits 3, 4, & 5: DDD (Julian 171=June 19) Digit 6: Shift (1 or 2) Alpha Position 7: Line Identification.

As of the posting of this recall, there have been no reports of illnesses related to this product.

If a consumer has this product, they can discard the product or return it to the location in which the product was obtained.

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