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A peanut butter recall was voluntarily issued in September 2012 by Sunland Inc. due to Salmonella.
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Recall
After further investigation, the recall included all 240 products, made at Sunland's production plant in Portales, New Mexico manufactured since March 1, 2010. A total of 35 people from 19 states were sickened from tainted products, most of them children. Some, but not all, grocery chains affected by the recall were:
The Center for Disease Control (CDC), said the majority of those who became ill claim it was between June 11, 2012 and September 2, 2012.
Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found salmonella all over plant including improper handling of the products, unclean equipment and uncovered trailers of peanuts outside the facility. The total of people and states rose to 41 people in 20 states sold by Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Safeway, Target and other large grocery chains. On November 26, 2012, the FDA suspended Sunland's registration to produce and distribute food product.
Sunland had the right to a hearing and prove to the FDA that its facilities are clean and can reopen.
The company
Sunland is the nation's largest organic peanut butter processor in the United States.
Bankruptcy
On October 9, 2013 Sunland closed and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. According to records, the company has an estimated $10 million to $50 million in assets, $50 million to $100 million in liabilities and 1,000 to 5,000 creditors.