Dive Summary:
- This week's closure of Sunland Inc.'s New Mexico processing plant by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over salmonella concerns could lead to an organic peanut butter shortage, USA Today reports.
- Sunland, which owns 90% of 2012's organic peanut harvest, claims to have millions of pounds of peanuts which it cannot currently grind due to the shutdown.
- Grocery stores are looking at other suppliers, though some analysts believe that a noticeable shortfall in supply could occur.
From the article:
"... Over the long term, the shutdown of the Sunland plant could cause some temporary disruptions, but 'we do not anticipate it affecting the overall supply of organic peanut butter,' said Patrick Archer, president of the American Peanut Council in Alexandria, Va. 'There are several other processors who will fill the void in the market.'
Where they'll get their peanuts isn't clear. ..."