Peanut Butter Recall 2012: Raw, Roasted Shelled, In-shell Peanuts Recalled

Sunland, Inc.'s President and CEO Jimmie Shearer has announced a voluntary extension of the ongoing recall to include raw and roasted shelled and in-shell peanuts due to possible health risk.

The FDA has revealed that environmental samples taken in the Sunland Inc. nut butter production facility show the presence of Salmonella.

The CDC reports a total of 35 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bredeney from 19 states.

Sunland said raw and roasted shelled and in-shell peanuts processed in its Peanut Processing Plant have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Specifically, the recall is being extended to include raw and roasted peanuts, both in-shell and shelled, which were processed in its Peanut Processing Plant located in Portales, New Mexico, and which are within their current shelf life or have no stated expiration date.

According to a company release, the extension is the result of the continued joint investigation by the company and FDA. The company has ceased the production and distribution of all products from both its Peanut Butter Plant and its Peanut Processing Plant while FDA and the company continue their investigation.

According to Sunland, the raw and roasted peanuts available to retail customers were distributed primarily under the company's own label and were distributed primarily to produce houses and nationally to numerous large supermarket, grocery and retail chains. The products also were available for purchase on the internet. The roasted and roasted/salted peanuts being recalled were distributed during the six month period prior to the recall date (April 12, 2012 - October 12, 2012), and will have best by/expiration dates on the packaging from October 12, 2012 through April 12, 2013.

The raw peanuts being recalled (shelled and in-shell), were distributed during the twelve months prior to the recall date (October 12, 2011 - October 12, 2012), and will have either best by dates ctober 12, 2012 2from October 12, 2012 through October 12, 2013 on the packaging, or a "Crop Year" marking on the package of 2011 or 2012, up to and including October 12, 2012.

"Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged not to eat them and to return or dispose of them immediately," the company said in a release.

A list of all products being recalled by Sunland Inc. can be found in the company's recall announcement.