George J. Howe Co. of Grove City, Pennsylvania, is voluntarily recalling approximately 13,619 pounds of its sunflower seed products after discovering that cashews — a tree nut allergen — were inadvertently mixed in during a production changeover and never disclosed on the label. The recall was announced May 7, 2026. No illnesses have been reported. The recalled products were distributed to 24 states through major grocery chains, foodservice accounts, specialty retailers, airports, and institutional customers.
What’s Being Recalled?
Three sunflower seed varieties are included, all sold under the George J. Howe Co. brand:
Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, Lightly Salted — 11 oz blue stand-up pouch, UPC 073171003163. Affected best-by dates: 08/28/2026, 09/18/2026, 10/01/2026, 10/09/2026, 11/18/2026, and 12/12/2026.
Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, No Salt — 11 oz blue stand-up pouch, UPC 073171003200. Affected best-by dates: 09/24/2026, 10/30/2026, 11/18/2026, and 12/11/2026.
Sunflower Seeds, Roasted and Salted — 9.5 oz gold-label plastic tub, UPC 073171027015. Affected best-by dates: 07/22/2026 and 09/05/2026.
The recalled products were distributed across 24 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Retailers include Foodland, Giant Eagle, Piggly Wiggly, Shop Rite, Shop N Save, Walmart, and independent grocers.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
During a routine inspection, George J. Howe Co. discovered that sunflower seeds containing cashews were packaged and distributed without disclosing cashews as an ingredient. The error occurred during a production changeover between products, when cashew residue entered the sunflower seed line. Tree nuts — including cashews — are one of the nine major food allergens under federal law. People with tree nut allergies can experience reactions ranging from hives and vomiting to severe anaphylaxis, which can be fatal without prompt treatment. The packaging carries a general advisory that the facility processes tree nuts, but this does not substitute for the required disclosure of an actual allergen present in the product.
What Should You Do?
Stop consuming the recalled sunflower seeds immediately if your package matches one of the three varieties, UPC codes, and best-by dates listed above. Return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Contact George J. Howe Co. at 800-367-4693, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or email [email protected].
