The Biggest Nut Recalls In US History

Food safety is something we often take for granted until something goes wrong. Over the years, the United States has experienced several major nut recalls that affected millions of Americans and caused serious illnesses. These recalls remind us how important proper food handling is and the real dangers that can lurk in our favorite snacks.

1. Peanut Corporation Of America's Deadly Outbreak

The 2008-2009 salmonella outbreak linked to PCA peanut products claimed nine lives and sickened over 700 people across 46 states. Company executives knowingly shipped contaminated products.

This recall became infamous when investigators discovered the company had falsified lab results. The CEO received a 28-year prison sentence—the harshest punishment ever for a food safety case.

2. Jif's Massive 2022 Peanut Butter Crisis

Millions of Americans checked their pantries when J.M. Smucker recalled 49 Jif peanut butter products in May 2022. The culprit? Salmonella traced to a Kentucky manufacturing facility.

Products with lot codes 1274425 through 2140425 were pulled from shelves nationwide. The contamination affected numerous countries beyond American borders, including Canada and New Zealand.

3. Sunland's Record-Breaking Peanut Butter Recall

Back in 2012, New Mexico-based Sunland Inc. orchestrated what was then the largest nut butter recall in American history. The company pulled 240 products after 42 people in 20 states fell ill.

The contamination eventually bankrupted the company. Sunland's products were sold under 150 different brand names, making this recall particularly challenging to manage effectively.

4. Setton Farms' Pistachio Nightmare

California-based Setton Farms shocked consumers in 2009 when they recalled over 2 million pounds of pistachios. Testing revealed multiple strains of salmonella throughout their processing facility.

The contamination spread to hundreds of products containing pistachios as ingredients. This case highlighted how a single producer's problem can cascade through the entire food supply chain.

5. Paramount Farms' Almond Alert

Raw almonds became the center of attention in 2004 when Paramount Farms recalled 13 million pounds after a salmonella outbreak. Five states reported illnesses from the contaminated nuts.

This recall transformed the industry permanently. Following this incident, the USDA mandated that all California almonds (which make up 80% of global supply) must be pasteurized before sale.

6. Georgia Nut Company Recall (2016)

The Georgia Nut Company recalled certain nut mixes in 2016 after possible Listeria contamination was identified. Listeria is a dangerous bacterium that can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations.

The recall affected a variety of snack products sold in multiple states, prompting a swift public health response. This highlighted how even packaged nuts and mixes are not immune to contamination risks.

7. nSpired's Nut Butter Nightmare

The 2014 nSpired recall affected almond and peanut butters sold at major retailers including Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Kroger. Four people were hospitalized with serious bacterial infections.

The company's MaraNatha and Arrowhead Mills brands were hardest hit. What made this recall unique was the culprit—a rare strain of salmonella not commonly found in nut products.

8. Brazil Nut Contamination Scare

Now Real Foods shocked consumers in early 2024 when they recalled their Brazil nuts due to salmonella concerns. The company pulled products from 16 states after routine testing revealed the dangerous bacteria.

Brazil nuts present unique challenges for food safety. Their hard shells and the remote Amazonian regions where they're harvested make contamination prevention especially difficult compared to domestically-grown nuts.

9. Stutz Packing's Walnut Worry

California-based Stutz Packing recalled thousands of pounds of walnuts in early 2024 after discovering E. coli contamination. The recall affected both organic and conventional walnuts distributed nationwide.

The company's quick action prevented reported illnesses. This incident highlighted how irrigation water can introduce dangerous bacteria into nut orchards, a growing concern as climate change affects water quality.

10. Emerald's Glass-Contaminated Cashews

Snack giant Diamond Foods recalled its popular Emerald brand roasted cashews in 2010 after discovering glass fragments in packages. The contamination originated from a manufacturing equipment failure at their processing facility.

Though no injuries were reported, the recall spanned multiple states. This case demonstrated how mechanical failures in processing equipment can introduce dangerous physical contaminants into otherwise safe food products.

11. Trader Joe’s Pistachios Recall (2016)

In 2016, Trader Joe’s recalled their pistachios due to potential Salmonella contamination, which posed a serious health risk to consumers. The recall affected multiple states and prompted widespread concern about nut safety.

Pistachios, a popular snack, had to be pulled off shelves quickly to prevent illness. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges in ensuring nut products are free from harmful bacteria.

12. Trader Joe’s Raw Cashew Pieces Recall (2016)

Also in 2016, Trader Joe’s issued a recall on raw cashew pieces over fears of Salmonella contamination. Raw nuts are particularly vulnerable to bacteria if not processed under strict hygiene controls.

Customers were advised to discard any affected products immediately to avoid potential infection. This recall underscored the importance of careful quality checks in the nut supply chain.

13. Wonderful Pistachios Recall (2016)

The Wonderful Company recalled certain pistachio products in 2016 after Salmonella was detected during routine testing. The recall affected not only standalone pistachio packages but also products sold under various retail brands.

The company acted swiftly to remove potentially contaminated nuts from the market, prioritizing consumer safety. This event raised awareness about the risk of bacterial contamination in nuts despite their dry nature.

14. Superior Nut Company Almond Recall (2001)

In 2001, the Superior Nut Company recalled almonds due to Salmonella contamination, leading to significant public health concerns. This recall was part of a series of nut recalls during that period connected to outbreaks of foodborne illness.

The incident forced industry-wide improvements in almond processing and safety protocols. It remains a landmark case highlighting how nuts can be a vector for dangerous pathogens.

15. Frito-Lay Cracker Recall With Peanut Traces (2016)

Frito-Lay recalled several cracker products in 2016 after discovering traces of undeclared peanuts, posing a severe risk to allergy sufferers. While not a direct nut contamination recall, it reflected the complexity of preventing cross-contact in food manufacturing.

The recall prompted greater scrutiny on labeling accuracy and allergen control in processed snacks. It emphasized the importance of vigilance for consumers with food allergies.