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May 5, 2026 – John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. of Elgin, Illinois recalled Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix and Hunter Mix products with specific Best By dates after seasoning containing dry milk powder from California Dairies, Inc. tested positive for potential Salmonella contamination. The company has received no illness reports to date [1].
Three Southern Style Products Recalled
The recall affects specific Best By dates for the following Southern Style Nuts products:
- Gourmet Hunter Mix (23 oz) – Best By dates from January 28, 2027 through March 14, 2027
- Gourmet Hunter Mix (36 oz) – Best By dates from February 12, 2027 through April 2, 2027
- Hunter Mix (30 oz) – Best By dates from January 29, 2027 through March 16, 2027
Multiple Best By Dates
The 23 oz Gourmet Hunter Mix has six different Best By dates ranging from January 28 through March 14, 2027. The 30 oz Hunter Mix has eight Best By dates from January 29 through March 16, 2027.
Date Format Variations
The 36 oz Gourmet Hunter Mix uses a different date format listing dates as “12/FEB/2027” through “02/APR/2027.” Consumers should check their specific package to match the exact date format and verify recall status.
Preventive Recall Action
The seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before John B. Sanfilippo used them in production. The recall followed notification from California Dairies about potential contamination discovered through additional testing.
Salmonella Infection Symptoms
Salmonella typically causes fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain within 12 to 72 hours after consumption. Most healthy adults recover within a week, but vulnerable populations face serious complications.
High-Risk Groups
Young children, frail or elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems face serious and sometimes fatal infections from Salmonella. These vulnerable groups may require hospitalization and aggressive treatment.
Severe Complications
In rare cases, Salmonella spreads from the intestines to the bloodstream causing arterial infections, infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis. These life-threatening complications require immediate medical intervention.
No Illnesses Reported
John B. Sanfilippo received no reports of illnesses connected to Southern Style Nuts products as of the recall announcement. The voluntary action followed the upstream ingredient supplier’s contamination notification.
Third-Party Seasoning Supply
California Dairies supplied dry milk powder to a third-party seasoning manufacturer, who then supplied finished seasoning to John B. Sanfilippo. Multi-tier ingredient sourcing complicates contamination tracking and responsibility determination.
Southern Style Nuts Brand
Southern Style Nuts markets gourmet nut and snack mixes with regional flavor profiles. The Hunter Mix varieties represent the brand’s signature products emphasizing quality ingredients and traditional Southern recipes.
UPC Code Verification
The 23 oz Gourmet Hunter Mix has UPC 085839073319, the 36 oz has UPC 085839071483, and the 30 oz Hunter Mix has UPC 085839916302. Consumers should verify their product’s UPC matches the recall list.
Distribution Channels
Southern Style Nuts products sold through retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and QVC. The wide distribution means affected products reached consumers nationwide.
Return Instructions
Consumers should not eat recalled Southern Style Nuts products and should return them to the store of purchase for full refund or replacement. Have the product packaging with UPC code and Best By date when returning.
Testing Timeline Concerns
The fact that seasoning tested negative initially but later showed potential contamination raises questions about testing protocols. Single-point testing may miss contamination that becomes apparent through repeated or more comprehensive testing.
Customer Service Contact
For questions about the recall, consumers can contact John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Customer Service toll-free at 800-874-8734 Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm Central Time. Have product UPC, Best By date, and item number ready.
Contact an Attorney
If you became ill with Salmonella after eating Southern Style Nuts products, contact a product liability attorney. Preserve product packaging, save medical records, and keep purchase receipts.
References
1. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/john-b-sanfilippo-son-inc-voluntarily-recalls-snack-mix-products-due-possible-health-risk