Salmonella Outbreak: FDA says avoid foods with peanut butter

Kristina Labanauskas

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging the public to avoid eating foods that contain peanut butter until more is learned about the recent deadly salmonella outbreak.

According to the FDA, most peanut butter sold in jars at supermarkets seems to be safe, and there is no indication that major national name-brand jars are linked to the recall. Rather, peanut butter cookies and crackers are of concern.

This is an ingredient-driven outbreak. The focus is on peanut paste and peanut butter that was produced at a Blakely, Ga., facility owned by Peanut Corp. of America. The peanut paste is contained in cookies, cakes and products for purchase in supermarkets. And, this peanut butter, though not sold directly to consumers, is distributed to institutions and food companies.

The Kellogg Co. has recalled Austin, Keebler and Famous Amos-brand peanut butter cookies and crackers. You can see the full list at kelloggs.com.

Additionally, the Iowa-based Hy-Vee supermarket chain recalled peanut butter products made in its bakeries, and Perry’s Ice Cream Co., based in Akron, N.Y. recalled products containing peanut butter.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), typhimurium, the bacteria behind the outbreak, is common and is not an unusually dangerous strain. The elderly or those with weakened immune systems are more at risk. Still, more than 470 people have become sick in 43 states, at least 90 were hospitalized, and at least 6 deaths have been linked thus far.

The CDC's recommendations for consumers include:

• Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.

• Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until information becomes available about whether that product may be affected.

• Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers.

Please click the link for more additional information on salmonella and some safety tips from a previous post.