More peanut butter products recalled because of Salmonella fears

Peanut butter-containing products ranging from health bars to dog biscuits are being recalled because of concerns that they might be contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella.

The recalls include products made by Clif Bar, PetSmart and NutriSystem.

So far, major brands of jarred peanut butter have not been linked to the outbreak, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says.

A list of recalled products can be found on the FDA’s Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak information page.

The FDA also has a “Frequently Asked Questions” Web page for consumers wanting to know more about the outbreak. 

The Salmonella outbreak, which as first detected last September, has now sickened at 485 people in 43 states.

There have been 13 reported cases in Washington state, 3 in King County.

Investigators from the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have traced the bacterium, Salmonella Typhimurium, to a plant owned by the Peanut Corporation of America.

The plant makes peanut butter that is distributed to hospitals, schools, food services, cafeterias and other facilities and a peanut paste product made from ground, roasted peanuts that is distributed to food manufacturers that use the paste as an ingredient in such items as cracker sandwiches, ice cream, and nut bars. 

The Peanut Corporation of American (PCA) does not sell peanut butter directly to consumers, the FDA says, and “major national brands of jarred peanut butter are not affected by the PCA recall.”

The FDA advises consumers:

Consumers are advised not to eat products that have been recalled and to throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.

The FDA urges consumers to first visit FDA’s website to determine if commercially-prepared or manufactured peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) are subject to recall. Identification of products subject to recall is continuing, and FDA will update its list of recalled products and advice based on new sampling and distribution information.

For information on products containing peanut butter or peanut paste from companies not reporting recalls to date, consumers may wish to consult the company’s website or call the toll-free number listed on most packaging. Information consumers may receive from the companies in this manner has not been verified by the FDA.

If consumers cannot determine if their peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products or institutionally-served peanut butter may contain PCA peanut butter/peanut paste, FDA recommends they do not consume those products. Efforts to specifically identify products subject to the PCA recall and to continuously update consumers are ongoing.

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

At this time, there is no indication that any national name brand jars of peanut butter sold in retail stores are linked to the PCA recall.

Salmonella:

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.

PHOTO CREDIT: CDC

To learn more:

• Visit the CDC’s Salmonella Outbreak Update Web page.
• Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Salmonella Outbreak Update Web page.
• Visit the FDA’s “Frequently Asked Questions” Web page.
• Read more of LocalHealthGuides coverage in postings below.
• Read the companies’ press releases concerning some of the most recalls below.
• Visit Public Health – Seattle & King County information page which has links to information on Salmonella in Chinese, English, Korean, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Company press releases:

Premier Nutrition Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of selected TWISTED and TITAN Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan 20, 2009 – Premier Nutrition today announced a voluntary recall of select TWISTED and TITAN branded bars that contain peanut butter manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning a recent Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

The following Premier Nutrition products with “Best By” dates ranging as shown below, in the specific sizes and flavors indicated, are included in the recall:

• TWISTED Nutrition Bar, Vanilla — BEST BY: AUG 01 2009A (August 1, 2009), through JAN 09 2010A (January 9, 2010)
• TWISTED Nutrition Bar, Chocolate — BEST BY: AUG 01 2009A (August 1, 2009), through JAN 09 2010A (January 9, 2010)
• TWISTED Nutrition Bar, Peanut Butter — BEST BY: AUG 01 2009A (August 1, 2009), through JAN 09 2010A (January 9, 2010)
• TWISTED Nutrition Bar, Variety Packs 15 and 24 count — DATED: 07/01/09 (July 1, 2009) through 01/09/10 (January 9, 2010)
• TITAN Nutrition Bar, Chocolate Peanut Crunch (80g size) — BEST BY: SEP 04 2009A (September 4, 2009) through DEC 17 2009A (December 17, 2009)
• TITAN Nutrition Bar, Chocolate Peanut Crunch (25g size) — BEST BY: SEP 04 2009A (September 4, 2009) through DEC 17 2009A (December 17, 2009)

These products were sold in grocery, warehouse and other retail stores throughout the United States as well as over the internet.

No other PREMIER NUTRITION flavors, brands or products are included in this recall.

“We regret the need to take this action, but the complete safety of our customers and consumers is our highest priority,” said Chris Geist, Chief Operating Officer, Premier Nutrition.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to destroy them; if refund or replacement is desired, consumers should remove the “Best By” code found on the back of the package without opening the package. Consumers with questions or who would like a refund or replacement may contact Premier Nutrition at 888-836-8977. Details also can be found at www.premiernutrition.com.

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NutriSystem Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Peanut Butter Granola Bar Due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Contamination and Potential Health Risk — No Cases of Illness Reported

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — HORSHAM, Pa — January 21, 2009 – NutriSystem Inc., a leading provider of weight management products and services, today announced a voluntary recall of its NutriSystem-branded Peanut Butter Granola Bar 1.41 ounces or 40 grams packaged in flexible film, lot codes: TC08158A, TC08188A, TC09158A, TC09168A, TC09178A, TC11148A, TC11178A, because the product contains peanut butter which was manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which is the focus of an ongoing Salmonella investigation by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA). PCA is one of the suppliers of peanut ingredients to the company. NutriSystem is no longer using PCA as a peanut butter supplier.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at www.cdc.gov (or call 1-800-232-4636).

There have been no cases of illness or adverse effects reported by any NutriSystem customers, and no other products within the NutriSystem food portfolio, including those made with peanut butter, are affected by this recall. No Salmonella contamination has been detected in the NutriSystem Peanut Butter Granola Bar. This voluntary recall is in line with FDA recommendations, and NutriSystem has removed all products within existing inventory.

“The safety of our customers is our highest priority, and in keeping with the recommendations by the FDA, we are urging all consumers who have purchased or are in possession of this product to immediately destroy them,” said Sharon Tate, Vice President of Quality Assurance, NutriSystem, Inc. “Customers seeking a replacement bar are being asked to call a NutriSystem representative at 1-866-491-6425 or e-mail PBbar@Nutrisystem.com and a replacement bar will be issued in its place.”

The peanut butter granola bar has been distributed directly to customers from the website or call center sales, residing in the United States by NutriSystem. The Peanut Butter Granola Bar (UPC 6 32674320162) is not available in retail stores, and not sold under any other name. This voluntary recall does not apply to NutriSystem Peanut Butter Granola Bar product sold in Canada.
Additional details can be found at www.nutrisystem.com.

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Ready Pac Foods, Inc Announces Voluntary Product Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — IRWINDALE, Calif., January 20, 2009 — After receiving notification from one of its suppliers, Ready Pac Foods, Inc. is announcing that they are initiating a voluntary recall of certain products containing peanut butter that may have been contaminated with Salmonella. These products have been distributed to different retailers in the states of California, Utah, Illinois, Washington, Texas, New Jersey, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maryland. This recall is part of a nationwide recall initiated by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA).

Ready Pac has earned an outstanding food safety record for over 40 years and out of an abundance of caution has taken this immediate action in the interest of public health and safety.

We notified all of our customers who have received the products in question and directed them to remove products from their shelves. Neither Ready Pac nor its customers have received any reports of illness connected to any of these products.

It is possible that some products may have already been purchased by consumers and therefore anyone who has purchased the following products with the expiration dates listed should dispose of the product or return the product to the store for a full refund. No other products are impacted in this recall.

• Ready Pac Cool Cuts Celery with Peanut Butter 12/6.75 oz — By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 077745-22415-2
• Trader Joe’s Celery with Peanut Butter 12/6.75 oz — By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 0048-5401
• Trader Joe’s Celery with Peanut Butter 30/6.75 oz — By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 0048-5401
• Eating Right Apples with Peanut Butter 12/6.75 oz — By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 0-79893-70175-2
• Eating Right Celery with Peanut Butter 12/6.75 oz — By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 0-79893-70172-1

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Consumers with questions regarding Ready Pac recall may contact (800) 800- 7822. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health or observe symptoms should contact their health care provider or go to a hospital.

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PetSmart Voluntarily Recalls Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuits

Contact:
PetSmart Customer Service
1-888-839-9638

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — PHOENIX, AZ, January 20, 2009 — PetSmart is voluntarily recalling seven of its Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuit products that contain peanut paste made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility.

Although PetSmart is not aware of any reported cases of illness related to these products, it has removed these products from its store shelves and website and is conducting the recall as a precautionary measure.

The recalled products include only the following types of Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits sold between Aug. 21, 2008 and Jan. 19, 2009:

• Small Assorted 32 oz., UPC 73725702900
• Small/Medium Assorted 4 lb., UPC 73725700601
• Small/Medium Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700605
• Small/Medium Assorted 10 lb., UPC 73725702755
• Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700638
• Extra Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700779
• Peanut Butter 4 lb., UPC 73725700766

Customers who purchased the recalled dog biscuit products should discontinue use immediately and can return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers can visit www.petsmartfacts.com for more information or contact PetSmart Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.

No other products or flavors are included in this recall.

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Country Maid Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Classic Breaks® Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Due to Possible Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — WEST BEND, Iowa, January 20, 2009 – Country Maid Inc, is voluntarily recalling its 2 pound packages of Classic Breaks Peanut Butter Cookie Dough because the peanut butter used to make the cookie dough was supplied by Peanut Corporation of America and may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses, such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

The recalled Classic Breaks Peanut Butter Cookie Dough was distributed nationwide through fundraising groups. Distribution to fundraising dealers occurred October 6, 2008 through January 9, 2009.

The product comes in a 2 pound rectangular-shaped package with a white wrapper. Classic Breaks Peanut Butter Cookie Dough products with the following lot numbers marked on the side are included in the recall:

26208
26308
29808
33808
36508

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the cookie dough.

No other Country Maid or Classic Breaks products or flavors are included in this recall.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should either destroy the product or contact Country Maid for a refund at 1-888-460-6904. Details also can be found at www.classic-breaks.com.

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Nature’s Path Recalls Peanut Butter Optimum Energy Bars Nationwide Because of Possible Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 20, 2009 — Nature’s Path Organic Foods of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada is recalling Optimum Energy Bars Peanut Butter flavor, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The Optimum Energy Bars Peanut Butter flavor were manufactured using peanut butter recalled by Peanut Corporation of American because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

The affected products are marked with the BEST BEFORE DATE OF 01OCT09A and sold in 2 oz (56 g) individually wrap bar with UPC code of 0 58449 77715 1.

Consumers who have an Optimum Energy Bar Peanut Butter flavor with this expiration date should return it to the retail store where they purchased it for a full refund. If they have any questions they should call the Nature’s Path customer service line at 1-866-880-7284.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with Optimum Energy Bars. No other Nature’s Path products are being recalled. The peanut butter in all other Nature’s Path products is sourced from Golden Boy Foods in British Columbia, Canada, which is in no way involved in the investigation.

We at Nature’s Path are committed to producing exceptional products and hold the health of our customers, along with quality and food safety, as our top priorities, said Arran Stephens, Founder and CEO of Nature’s Path. We are issuing this voluntary recall as a precautionary measure out of concern for the health and safety of our customers.”

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Tags: Abbott Nutrition, CDC, Country Maid, FDA, Health, Ice Cream, King Nut, Kroger, Little Debbie, Lofthouse, LUNA, McKee Foods, NutriSystem, Peanut Butter, Peanut Corporation of America, PetSmart Clif Bars, Premier Nutrition, Product Recall, Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products, Ready Pac, Salmonella, Seattle, South Bend Chocolate Company, Titan, Twisted, ZonePerfect

Category: Digestive System, Infections, Product Recall