Peanut Butter Recalled
National News
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Investigators are trying to find the source of a deadly salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter and peanut butter paste. As a result, officials at the Food and Drug Administration are asking consumers to temporarily stop eating all foods containing peanut butter.
So far more than 470 people in 43 states have gotten sick. At least 90 people have been hospitalized and six have died.
The contaminated peanut butter has been traced back to several products including cookies, crackers and other snacks. Jars of peanut butter sold in supermarkets are thought to be safe. Officials are focusing on bulk tubs of peanut butter produced at the Peanut Corporation of America's Georgia facility. Its products were distributed to institutions such as nursing homes and food companies.
"If you already have a jar you should be safe, however if you have any products in your house that contain peanut butter I would hold off on eating them," warns Cleveland Clinic dietitian Tara Harwood. Salmonella is a bacteria and the most common source of food poisoning in the U.S. It can cause diarrhea, cramping and fever. Those at greatest risk are children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those who have compromised immune systems.
"Symptoms could be flu-like symptoms so a lot of people thought they had the flu and it's really a food borne illness," Harwood explained. Health officials urge those who may have been affected to seek treatment as soon as symptoms begin, which can be within 12 hours from consuming the tainted food.
Until they learn more about the contamination, they say it's best to stay away from all peanut butter. A number of food companies have announced voluntary recalls of products that could be contaminated with salmonella, while others say their own testing proves their products are safe.