Dakota Style Foods, Inc. of Clark, South Dakota is recalling 6,930 cases of sunflower kernels because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The sunflower kernels were distributed to 31 customers nation-wide and are sold through retail outlets.
The products involved are Dakota Style 16 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 3.5 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 32 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 4 ounce Savory Bacon Sunflower Kernels and 8 ounce Savory Bacon Sunflower Kernels that were shipped by Dakota Style Foods, Inc. between February 15, 2016 and April 7, 2016. The affected lots are identified by lot codes 8B6M02 and 8B6M09. The consumer packages are plastic packages bearing the company logo and product name with the lot code located on the back right hand panel of the consumer package.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall resulted from notice by SunOpta, one of Dakota Style’s sunflower kernel suppliers, that SunOpta initiated a voluntary recall of certain lots of sunflower kernels. Dakota Style has identified the lots that may have included ingredients received from SunOpta and is actively working to return all affected products.
Consumers who have purchased Dakota Style 16 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 3.5 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 32 ounce Roasted and Salted Sunflower Kernels, 4 ounce Savory Bacon Sunflower Kernels or 8 ounce Savory Bacon Sunflower Kernels with lot code 8B6M02 or 8B6M09 located on the back right-hand panel of the consumer package are urged to return the package to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-446-2779 between 8:30 am and 5 pm CST, Monday through Friday.
