Sunflower Seeds Recalled in More Than 20 States Over Undeclared Tree Nut Allergen

The affected sunflower seeds were sold at various retailers, including Shop Rite, Shop 'n Save, and Walmart.

Published: 5/11/2026, 2:28:22 PM EDT

Sunflower Seeds Recalled in More Than 20 States Over Undeclared Tree Nut Allergen — George J. Howe Co. has recalled more than 13,000 pounds of sunflower seeds over concerns the products may contain an undeclared tree nut allergen. (Courtesy of the Food and Drug Administration)

Thousands of pounds of sunflower seeds have been recalled in more than 20 states over concerns the products may contain undeclared tree nut allergens.

George J. Howe Co., a wholesale brand based in Pennsylvania, announced the voluntary recall last week after a routine inspection found select sunflower seeds containing cashews had been distributed in packaging that failed to disclose the presence of tree nuts, according to a company announcement shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an oversight in the company’s production process at the changeover of products," the notice reads.

More than 13,000 pounds of sunflower seeds were affected. The recalled products include two varieties of 11-ounce plastic stand-up pouch containers: Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, Lightly Salted, and Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, No Salt.

The lightly salted seeds feature a UPC of 073171003163 and best-by dates of Aug. 28, Sept. 18, Oct. 1, Oct. 9, Nov. 18, and Dec. 12, 2026. The no-salt variety carries a UPC of 073171003200 with best-by dates of Sept. 24, Oct. 30, Nov. 18, and Dec. 11, 2026.

The company also recalled 9.5-ounce plastic tubs of its roasted and salted sunflower seeds, featuring a UPC of 073171027015, with best-by dates of July 22, 2026, and Sept. 5, 2026.

The sunflower seeds were distributed across multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The products were sold at various grocery chains, among them Foodland, Giant Eagle, Piggly Wiggly, Shop Rite, Shop 'n Save, and Walmart, as well as select independent grocers, specialty retailers, and foodservice accounts, among other outlets.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of tree nut allergies usually develop within a few minutes to two hours of eating the nuts and may include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and skin reactions such as hives or rashes.

George J. Howe Co. warned that those who are allergic or have a severe sensitivity to tree nuts could face serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume the affected sunflower seeds. However, the company noted that no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the recalled items.

Customers are advised to return the affected sunflower seeds to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with questions about the recall can contact George J. Howe Co. by calling (800) 367-4693 during regular business hours or by emailing [email protected].