Sunland, Inc., was a production plant established in 1988 located in Portales, New Mexico, in the United States. Sunland was the nation's largest organic peanut butter processor.[1] The company produced at least 240 products. The company used Valencia peanuts in its products.[2]
In September 2012, Sunland issued an initial recall of the peanut butter it made and distributed due to Salmonella contamination. Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found Salmonella bacteria all over the plant, as well as improper handling of the products, unclean equipment and uncovered trailers of peanuts outside the facility, expanding the recall to include all the company's products.[3] On November 26, 2012, the FDA suspended Sunland's registration to produce and distribute food product.[4] Sunland had the right to a hearing and prove to the FDA that its facilities are clean and can reopen.[5]
On October 9, 2013 Sunland closed and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.[6] According to records, the company had an estimated $10 million to $50 million in assets, $50 million to $100 million in liabilities and 1,000 to 5,000 creditors.[7]