More Recalls, More Sick People as Peanut Butter
Salmonella Outbreak Grows
Senior citizens big consumers of peanut butter
and the most vulnerable to salmonella should take caution
Jan. 15, 2009 Public health concerns about peanut
butter, a popular snack for senior citizens, are growing as more
products are being recalled and over 434 people in 43 states are found
to be infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella. Early reports
indicated the infected peanut butter may not have made it to grocery
story shelves, but new alarm bells sounded yesterday with the recall of
popular brands of peanut butter cracker sandwiches.
The concerns about food poisoning in peanut butter
started quietly when King Nut Companies
announced on January 10 that it had been informed that salmonella had
been found in an open five-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter. The
Centers for Disease Control and Preventing says
that peanut butter is the likely
cause of the out break.
Kellogg Company announced yesterday it has taken
the precautionary measure of putting a hold on Austin and Keebler
branded peanut butter crackers.
Two days ago, Peanut Corporation of America (PCA),
a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk
distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label
food companies, announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced
in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential
to be contaminated with Salmonella.
PCA acknowledged it initiated this recall after the
open container of King Nut brand peanut butter in a long-term care
facility in Minnesota was found to contain a strain of salmonella. King
Nut brand peanut butter is produced by PCA.
None of the peanut butter being recalled by PCA is
sold directly to consumers through retail stores.
"We deeply regret that this has happened," said
Stewart Parnell, owner and president of PCA. "Out of an abundance of
caution, we are voluntarily withdrawing this product and contacting our
customers. We are taking these actions with the safety of our consumers
as our first priority."
Kellogg Company put 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 said it 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.
The CDC says preliminary analysis of an
epidemiologic study conducted by CDC and public health officials in
multiple states comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons has
suggested peanut butter as a likely source of the bacteria causing the
infections.
To date, however, the CDC says no association has
been found with common brand names of peanut butter sold in grocery
stores. The investigation is ongoing, and exposures to peanut butter and
peanut butter-containing products are being examined.
The CDC says public health
officials will advise the public if more products are identified as
being associated with the outbreak. Persons who think they may have
become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health
care providers.
>>
FDA Website monitoring peanut butter recalls
>>
CDC Website keeping up with the spread of the illness.
>>
Food Safety Website at USDA
