Nature Valley Recalls Snack Bars Over Listeria Fears

(RTTNews) - General Mills Inc. (GIS) has issued a voluntary national recall of four specific flavors of Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars and Nature Valley Simple Nut Bars due to potential Listeria contamination.

The recall is being issued as part of sunflower kernel supplier SunOpta Inc.'s (STKL, SOY.TO) ongoing national recall for the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Sunflower kernels in the Nature Valley snack bars might contain Listeria.

In early June, SunOpta said it decided to further expand its voluntary recall of certain sunflower kernel products due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The expanded recall included certain sunflower kernel products originating from SunOpta's facility in Crookston, Minnesota between May 31, 2015 and January 31, 2016.

General Mills said it has not received any direct consumer reports of confirmed illnesses related to this supplier issue.

The recall includes Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar - Honey, Peanut and Almond with Pumpkin Seeds; Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar - Peanut, Almond and Dark Chocolate; Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar - Roasted Peanut and Honey; and Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar - Almond, Cashew and Sea Salt.

The four flavors of Nature Valley bars were distributed to retail establishments throughout the U.S.

General Mills urged consumers to dispose of the products affected by this recall, regardless of when they were purchased or what date is on the package. Consumers who have discarded products covered by this recall may contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-866-896-4365 for a replacement.

General Mills noted that the recall only affects four flavors of Nature Valley's nearly 40 different products. Nature Valley's other products are not affected by this recall.

General Mills' other products that use sunflower kernels have also not been impacted.

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