Macademia Nut Recall Issued Over Listeria Risks

Macadamia nuts sold at Kroger, Bakers, Gerbes and Dillons stores are being recalled, due to a risk that they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogens, a foodborne illness that is known to cause serious and sometime fatal infections with those with weakened immune system. 

The Simple Truth Dry Roasted Macadamia Nuts recall was announced by Kroger and the FDA on May 24, after a supplier reported to the grocery chains that the products may be contaminated with listeria. To date, no illnesses or listeria food poisoning cases have been reported.

The recall includes Simple Truth Dry Roasted Macadamia Nuts that that were packaged in 12-ounce clear plastic packages and marked with the brand name Simple Truth. The packages are marked with an expiration date of May 2, 2018. Packages included in the recall are marked with UPC code 11110-02478 and have a “Sell By” date of May 2, 2018.

The recalled Macadamia nuts were distributed for sale throughout Ohio, Southeast Indiana, Northern Kentucky, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri to Kroger, Bakers, Gerbes and Dillons grocery stores.

Kroger announced it has removed all of the potentially contaminated products from store shelves. Kroger has also initiated its customer recall notification system to alert customers who many have purchased the recalled nuts.

Listerosis is a foodborne illness that can cause serious health consequences and death, especially for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The infection is considered one of the more dangerous foodborne illnesses, frequently resulting in hospitalizations and carrying a 25% fatality rate.

Symptoms of listeria infections may include nausea, muscle ache, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. In severe cases for the elderly and young children, the bacteria could spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system resulting in sometimes fatal infections. For pregnant women, listerosis can pose a risk of miscarriages, still births, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Customers who are in possession of the recalled Macadamia nuts are being asked to stop consuming them immediately and to return them to the store for a full refund or replacement. Customers with questions regarding the recall may contact Kroger at 1-800-KROGERS.