A Walmart brand of “honey roasted” cashews has been recalled in 30 US states and from its online retail site due to the risk of potentially fatal allergies.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the advisory Wednesday, warning consumers that “a limited quantity” of 8.25 ounces of Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews “may contain undeclared coconut and milk.
Although rare, medical researchers have documented potentially fatal cases of coconut exposure causing moderate “anaphylaxis,” an allergic reaction that can include swelling and closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, nausea and shock.
The FDA found that the contaminated nuts were found in Walmart stores located across the country, from California to Kansas and Vermont, and is urging customers to throw away the recalled cans.
Contaminated 8.25 ounce containers of ‘High Value Honey Roasted Cashews’ were distributed to some Walmart stores in the following states: AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, WV, as well as through Walmart.com
The FDA’s recall of ‘High Value Honey Roasted Cashews’ (above) warned that the product may contain coconut and milk. Although rare, medical researchers have documented fatal cases of coconut exposure. Children are most at risk for allergies to both milk and coconut.
The FDA noted that Walmart’s cashew recall was a “voluntary” effort by John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS), which bills itself as a “global leader in innovative, quality-based nut solutions.” “.
In addition to its partnership with Walmart, nut supplier JBSS also sells nuts under its Fisher, Orchard Valley Harvest, Squirrel Brand and Southern Style Nuts labels.
In addition to its partnership with Walmart, the company also supplies nuts under its Fisher, Orchard Valley Harvest, Squirrel Brand and Southern Style Nuts labels.
None of these other JBSS brands appear to have been contaminated by the coconut and milk cross-contamination that affected their Walmart brand Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews.
The company first became aware of the serious factory error through a customer complaint.
An investigation by the JBSS later found that “a limited number” of the nut company’s coconut cashew products had been incorrectly labeled as honey roasted cashews during the packaging process.
Plastic containers of cashews with an expiration date of July 8, 2025, which can be seen on the bottom of the can, were the products potentially affected, the FDA said.
Contaminated cashews can best be identified by their bright blue, wrap-around Walmart label and a UPC code of 078742133348.
The company first became aware of the serious factory error through a customer complaint. An investigation later found that “a limited number” of coconut cashew products had been incorrectly labeled as honey roasted cashews during the nut packaging process.
“To date no adverse reactions have been reported,” according to the JBSS and FDA recall warning.
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Researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine investigated the prevalence of mild and dangerous allergies to coconut last November, for a peer-reviewed study published in the journal Annals of allergy, asthma and immunology.
Reviewing the largest study to date, which examined 257 American patients with a documented coconut allergy, they found that “approximately half” of the 57 allergic patients who ingested coconut products “met the criteria for mild or moderate anaphylaxis.” , which can be fatal.
The mean or average age for first discovery of the condition, through an initial allergic reaction, was 5 years.
Hygiene products containing coconut, such as soaps and lotions, appeared to have played a role: more than two-thirds of patients for whom data were available who had allergic symptoms had reported a history of rashes or other skin problems due to the product. coconut topical such as lotions or soap.
He Mayo Clinic recommends that parents who suspect their child might be allergic to cow’s milk should take them to the doctor as soon as possible after symptoms develop.
“If possible,” they said, “consult your (health care) provider during the allergic reaction to help make a diagnosis.”
The FDA told Walmart consumers concerned about milk or coconut allergies that they can return contaminated cashews to their local store for a full refund.
Consumers with additional questions were encouraged to contact responsible global walnut supplier, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., at 1-800-874-8734 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. :00 pm, central time).
The company can also be contacted by email at info@jbssinc.com.