Kellogg puts hold on Austin and Keebler branded peanut butter sandwich crackers

As a precautionary measure, Kellogg Company has put a hold on its Austin and Keebler branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.

Kellogg announced the move after it learned one of the suppliers of the peanut paste , Peanut Corporation of America, was the focus of an investigation by federal health officials looking for the cause of a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 400 people across the country.

In a statement announcing the hold, Kellogg said its investigation had not identified any concerns nor had the company received reports of illnesses linked to products.

“Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue,” the company said.

Salmonella is a bacteria which causes a gastrointestinal infection. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), People infected with the bacteria typically develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72  hours after infection.

Most people recover within 4 to 7 days without treatment, but infants, the elderly, and those with impaired immune systems are at risk of developing more severe infections in which the bacteria enters the bloodstream and infects other parts of the body, the CDC warns.

Such infections can be fatal and should be treated with antibiotics, the CDC says.

To learn more:

• Follow the CDC’s updates on its Salmonella Outbreak Investigation.
• Read the CDC’s information page on Salmonella infections.
• Visit Washington State Department of Health’s Web page on Food Safety Resources.
• See LocalHealthGuide’s earlier report on the recall of Peanut Corporation of America and King Nut peanut butter products 
• Visit the Keebler Web site.
• Read the press release from the Kellogg Company announcing the hold below.

Press Release:

Kellogg Company Announces Precautionary Hold on Austin and Keebler Branded
Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

Contact:
Kellogg Consumer Response Center
888-314-2060

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Battle Creek, MI — January 14, 2009 — Kellogg Company today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on Austin® and Keebler® branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.

FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that the company uses in its Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter sandwich crackers.

Kellogg Company’s investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer illness complaints about these products.

Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.

“Consumer health and safety is our top priority,” said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. “We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution.”

While no additional consumer action is necessary at this time, consumers with questions or who would like a product refund can call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-314-2060.

Tags: Austin, Keebler. Product Recall, Kellogg, Peanut Butter, Salmonella

Category: Digestive System, Infections, Product Recall