Peanut Butter Recall List 2012: List Expands to Raw, Roasted Peanuts

The list of recalled Sunland, Inc. peanut butter products has expanded yet again.

In the latest news release from Sunland, the company said the peanuts have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and were processed in its Peanut Processing Plant in Portales, N.M. The release said the possible contaminated peanuts are within their current shelf life or have no stated expiration date.

It was previously believed that all Sunland's recalled products came from the same plant in Portales, but this alarming new expansion raises the question if the strain is bigger than what was originally expected.

"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 October 12, 2012 2 from 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," the company stated in its release.

The first list of recalled almond and peanut butter products were manufactured between May 1 and Sept. 24. The list of recalled products stretches over 100 items, including brands such as Valencia, Archer Farms and Earth Balance.

The CDC reports the illness onset dates range from June 14, 2012 to Sept. 18, 2012. Those who have reported an illness age from 1 year to 79 years. Sixty-three percent of ill persons are children under the age of 10 years. Among 30 people with available information, eight patients reported being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Illnesses that occurred after Aug. 27 may not yet be reported because of the time it takes for one to become sick.