Over 13K pounds of sunflower seeds recalled in 23 states

By
Published  May 11, 2026 9:46am CDT
FOX Local

George J. Howe Sunflower Seeds were recalled over possible undeclared tree nut (cashew) allergens. (Photo courtesy of the Food and Drug Administration)

The Brief 

    • George J. Howe Co. Sunflower Seeds were pulled from store shelves over undeclared tree nut allergens.
    • The food was distributed in multiple states, including Alabama, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
    • Consumers can receive a refund for the recalled sunflower seeds.

A voluntary recall was issued for 13,619 pounds of sunflower seeds due to the food possibly containing undeclared tree nut (cashew) allergens.

Food and Drug Administration officials said in a recall letter that the products were distributed in 23 states and reached consumers through grocery store chains including Giant, Walmart, and Piggly Wiggly.

RELATED: Food recalls soar in the last five years - See what states have been impacted the most

The agency said there have been no reported illnesses adding that anyone with an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts are at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the products. 

Which states were the sunflower seeds recalled?

Local perspective:

George J. Howe Co. Sunflower Seeds were distributed in these states listed below: 

  1. Alabama
  2. Arkansas
  3. Florida
  4. Georgia
  5. Iowa
  6. Illinois
  7. Indiana
  8. Kansas
  9. Kentucky
  10. Maryland
  11. Michigan
  12. Minnesota
  13. Missouri
  14. Mississippi
  15. North Carolina
  16. New Jersey
  17. Ohio
  18. Oklahoma
  19. Pennsylvania
  20. South Carolina
  21. Tennessee
  22. Virginia
  23. Wisconsin

What sunflower seed products were recalled?

Dig deeper:

The George J Howe Company recalled the following sunflower seeds brand listed below:

  • Plastic Stand-Up Pouch Container, 11 oz, Blue with SUNFLOWER SEEDS brand name, "Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, Lightly Salted", UPC of 073171003163, Best By Expiration Dates of 08/28/2026, 09/18/2026, 10/01/2026, 10/09/2026, 11/18/2026, and 12/12/2026
  • Plastic Stand-Up Pouch Container, 11 oz, Blue with SUNFLOWER SEEDS brand name, "Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, No Salt", UPC of 073171003200, Best By Expiration Dates of 09/24/2026, 10/30/2026, 11/18/2026, and 12/11/2026
  • Plastic Tub, 9.5 oz, Gold Label with Sunflower Seeds brand name, "Sunflower Seeds, roasted and salted.," UPC of 073171027015, Best By Expiration Dates of 7/22/2026 and 09/05/2026

If I have the recalled sunflower seeds, what should I do with them? 

What you can do:

Food and Drug Administration officials stated that consumers who have bought the affected sunflower seeds are urged to return them to the place where they were purchased for a full refund. Anyone with questions about the recall can call the George J Howe Company at (800) 367-4693 M-F from 8 am to 5 pm ET, or by email at quality@georgehowe.com. 

The Source: Information for this story was provided by a Food and Drug Administration recall letter. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.

RecallsFood and Drink