Elgin nut company Sanfilippo recalling walnut halves, nut topping

Elgin-based John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc. announced it is voluntarily recalling Baking Classics brand Walnut Halves and Pieces packaged in 16 oz. bags and Baking Classics brand Nut Topping packaged in 2 oz. bags as a precautionary measure because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

To date, SanFilippo has not received any reports of illnesses in connection with the items.

Consumers who have recently purchased the items should not consume the product and should return it the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially serious disease. The most common manifestation of listeriosis is meningitis, which has symptoms of high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections to infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems such as persons with chronic diseases or taking chemotherapy for cancer.