More Recalls of Peanut Butter Products

Fda Salmonella The Food and Drug Administration the list of recalls of products containing peanut butter is expanding.

by Alabama Dept. of Agriculture & Industries

Published: Wed, January 21, 2009 - 1:51 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, January 21, 2009 - 1:55 pm CST

More Recalls of Peanut Butter Products

MONTGOMERY – Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks advises consumers that, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the list of recalls of products containing peanut butter is expanding. For an updated listing of products affected by the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, consumers should visit the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html, or contact the manufacturer of the product directly using the 1-800 number on the packaging.

“Consumers should choose carefully when purchasing products containing peanut butter to be sure the products are not part of a recall,” said Sparks. “Additionally, you should err on the side of caution when choosing whether to consume peanut butter products that you already have in your home,” said Sparks. “At this point, we know that the list of products possibly contaminated continues to grow. If you are not sure if a peanut butter product you have at home is part of the recall, then call the company and ask.”

Peanut butter in consumer size packaging at retail stores is not affected by any current recalls.

The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state partners have traced sources of Salmonella Typhimurium contamination to a plant in Blakely, Georgia owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste—a concentrated product consisting of ground, roasted peanuts—that are both distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in many commercially produced products including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream. PCA does not sell peanut butter directly to consumers. PCA only sells peanut butter to institutions and food manufacturers. In addition, PCA peanut butter is distributed to and institutionally served in such settings as long-term care facilities and cafeterias. PCA has stopped all production at its Blakely, Ga. plant as the FDA continues its investigation.

The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries’ Food Safety Inspectors are doing recall effectiveness checks for the products that have been recalled.

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