Peanut plant working toward reopen

PORTALES, N.M. (KRQE) - There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for a New Mexico peanut company linked to the salmonella outbreak and massive product recall.

The Portales plant of Sunland Inc. has been shut down for weeks, but officials plan to be back in business soon.  

They've shut down, torn apart facilities, and now they're rebuilding it all. Sunland officials hope to reopen their peanut processing facility within a week and the peanut butter plant before year's end.

"I think everyone is very excited to get back into production," Sunland Vice President Katalin Coburn said.  "The mood has been increasingly positive, and I think everyone is ready to just go forward."

The plant shut down for a voluntary recall after dozens of people were sickened from salmonella linked to peanut butter there.
     
The Food and Drug Administration investigation is complete, and area farmers are looking forward to seeing Sunland back on it's feet.

"Peanuts were the bread and butter of our farm, and it has been for this valley for a long time," explained Wayne Baker, chairman of the New Mexico Peanut Growers Association.

Baker said there are 15-20 peanut farmers in Roosevelt County and that Sunland getting up and running again is vital to the economy there.  

Home to the naturally sweet Valencia Peanuts, Sunland products reached big name stores nationwide like Target, Trader Joe's and Costco.
     
Inspections at the plant revealed bacterial contamination . Coburn said contamination appears to have occurred environmentally.

"Because of physical location, and because of the windy, dry nature of the Portales Valley, the environmental factors are very very important," said Coburn.

Steps to rebuild continue. Meanwhile, Baker said the community there has been supportive through the recall.  

"Everybody comes around and says what can we do, what can we do to help, can we help you raise some money, can we write letters or pray for you?" said Baker.

Coburn said there will be changes once they reopen but said the final design of the peanut butter plant are still being worked out. She said she's not worried about long-term effects the recall could have on business.

"I do believe that consumers and the industry understands not just the challenges but also the steps that Sunland has taken, and will continue to take to ensure safe, quality food," Coburn added.

Sunland is receiving this year's peanut crop and storing it for now. Coburn said they're still analyzing data from their tests and the FDA's inspection.