Organic Sunflower, Tahini Butter Recalled After Customer “Finds” Listeria

Oskri Organics Corp. has recalled its sunflower and tahini butter products due to concerns that they may be contaminated with Listeria. [1]

In a statement, Oskri, based in Wisconsin, said a customer informed them in mid-December that they “randomly” sent its product in for testing and that the results came back positive for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Kind of weird.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious infection called Listeriosis. Symptoms vary depending on the person and the part of the body affected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [2]

People tend to experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, as well as fever and muscle aches.

Pregnant women typically only experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, infections during pregnancy can be extremely dire, resulting in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

The recalled products include: [1]

• Oskri Organic Sunflower Butter, Lot #99

• Oskri Tahini Butter, Lot #193

• Thrive Sunflower Butter, Lot #233

The products are sold in 16-ounce plastic jars.

In a statement, the company said:

“An investigation is still ongoing to find the source of the Listeria monocytogenes. We have ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and Oskri continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.”

No illnesses were reported as of January 2, 2019.

However, it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria monocytogenes for symptoms of infection to develop. Oskri Organics is urging anyone with the affected products in their home to dispose of them immediately. [3]

There is concern that customers may have unopened containers of the recalled products at home because of their long shelf life. Some of the products have expiration dates more than a year away. The recalled sunflower and tahini butter were distributed to stores in 12 states, and some were sold directly to buyers via the Internet.

Anyone with questions may contact Oskri Organics by phone at 920-648-8300, or by e-mail at [email protected]

Sources:

[1] CBS News

[2] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[3] Food Safety News

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