Massive Nut Recall: Beware of Deadly California Nuts

Important Walnut Recall: What You Need to Know

If you’ve recently purchased a 1-pound package of shelled walnuts, there’s something important you should be aware of. Stutz Packing Company, based in Indio, California, is voluntarily recalling its 1-pound packages of Shelled Walnuts due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Even if you’re healthy, you could experience symptoms like high fever, severe headache, and abdominal discomfort if exposed.

And if you're someone who thinks being concerned is an overreaction, the same bacteria was singled out as the cause of death from deli meat that was tainted with the same bacteria. Listeria causes about 260 deaths annually according to the CDC.

Where These Nuts Were Distributed

These walnuts were distributed primarily to food bank warehouses in Texas and Arizona. From there, they may have made their way to other distribution centers and possibly into school lunch programs, shelters, or even prison food systems. If you’re connected with any of these facilities or if you’ve received walnuts from a food bank, it’s important to check the product packaging carefully.

How to Identify the Recalled Product

Here’s how you can tell if your walnuts are part of the recall. The affected product comes in a clear 1-pound plastic package with a white box outlined in red in the center. The package is labeled “SHELLED WALNUTS” with a UPC code of 7 15001 00908 1. The lot codes to watch for are 24171 1 or 24172 1, printed in black on the front of the bag.

What Should You Do?

If you have this product in your pantry, it’s best to play it safe. You can either discard the walnuts or return them to the place where you bought them. Stutz Packing Company has stopped production and distribution of these walnuts and is working with the FDA to investigate the issue further. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported so far, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Need More Information?

If you have any questions or need more details, you can reach out to Sasha Morales at Stutz Packing Company. She’s available by email at smorales@stutzpacking.com, or you can give her a call at 760.230.9547 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.