George J. Howe Sunflower Seeds Recall Over Undeclared Cashews
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced on that George J. Howe Co. is voluntarily recalling 13,619 lbs of sunflower seeds because the ingredient panel fails to declare cashews, a major tree-nut allergen. Anyone with a cashew allergy should avoid these products and return them for a full refund.
Recall Reason: Undeclared Cashew Allergen
- Hazard: Undeclared cashew (tree-nut) allergen.
- Health Risk: Severe or life-threatening allergic reaction for people sensitive to cashews.
- How Discovered: A routine quality audit found residual cashews in sunflower-seed batches after a production change-over.
- Illnesses Reported: None as of this update.
Sources
Affected Products, UPCs & Best-By Dates
Locate the UPC on the back and the Best-By date on the front or seal of each package. Only the lots below are included:
- 11 oz blue stand-up pouch “Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, Lightly Salted” — UPC 073171003163 — Best By 08/28/26, 09/18/26, 10/01/26, 10/09/26, 11/18/26, 12/12/26
- 11 oz blue stand-up pouch “Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, No Salt” — UPC 073171003200 — Best By 09/24/26, 10/30/26, 11/18/26, 12/11/26
- 9.5 oz gold-label tub “Sunflower Seeds, Roasted and Salted” — UPC 073171027015 — Best By 07/22/26, 09/05/26
Where George J. Howe Sunflower Seeds Were Distributed
The recalled sunflower seeds were shipped to retailers, concessionaires, and food-service companies in 24 states:
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, Wisconsin
Consumer Actions: Refund or Safe Disposal
- Match the UPC and Best-By date on your package against the recall list.
- If it matches, do not eat the product—even if you are not allergic to cashews.
- Return the item to the point of purchase for a full refund, or dispose of it in a sealed container to protect others.
- Direct questions to George J. Howe Co. at 800-367-4693 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST) or email quality@georgehowe.com.
Official Recall Images
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all George J. Howe Sunflower Seeds included in this recall?
No. Only the three specific products with the UPCs and Best-By dates listed above are affected.
I’m not allergic to cashews—can I still eat the recalled George J. Howe Sunflower Seeds?
The product poses no allergy risk to you, but the FDA and the manufacturer urge everyone to return or discard the seeds to prevent accidental exposure to others.
How do I get my refund for the recalled George J. Howe Sunflower Seeds?
Bring the package (opened or unopened) back to the retailer where you purchased it. Stores were instructed to issue full refunds immediately.
Were any illnesses linked to the recalled George J. Howe Sunflower Seeds?
No illnesses or allergic reactions had been reported to George J. Howe Co. or the FDA as of May 8, 2026.
Can I contact George J. Howe Co. directly about the sunflower-seed recall?
Yes. Call 800-367-4693 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST) or email quality@georgehowe.com.
Were George J. Howe Sunflower Seeds sold online during the recall period?
Yes. Some online retailers carried the affected lots. Check your package’s UPC and Best-By date, and follow the same refund or disposal steps if it matches.
What is the safest way to dispose of recalled George J. Howe Sunflower Seeds?
Seal the seeds in a plastic bag before placing them in the trash to avoid accidental consumption by children, pets, or wildlife.