Warning on peanut butter with possible Salmonella contamination(with photos)

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 8) advised members of the public not to consume certain batches of peanut butter manufactured by Sunland Inc in the US which are suspected to contain Salmonella.

The US authorities said that the manufacturer concerned was recalling the affected products in the country. The CFS learnt from the trade that two affected products had been imported to Hong Kong. Details of the products are as follows:

Product name: Sunland Organic Valencia Peanut Butter Creamy
Best before date: May 23, 2013
Bar code: 4868732810
Net weight: 12oz (340g)

Product name: Sunland Organic Valencia Peanut Butter Crunchy
Best before date: July 20, 2013
Bar code: 4868731810
Net weight: 12oz (340g)

"The CFS after investigations learnt that the importer had recalled the affected products and retail outlets concerned had stopped sale of the affected products. The importer has also agreed to surrender all remaining stocks for disposal. Checks conducted at other local outlets have so far found no affected products available for sale," a CFS spokesman said.

The spokesman advised consumers who had bought the particular products to refrain from consuming them. For enquiries about the recall, they may contact the importer at 3188 2463.

"People should seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming the product. So far, the CFS has not received any reports of persons feeling sick after consuming the products or complaints about them," he added.

Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on people with lowered immunity such as infants and young children could be more severe and sometimes may even lead to death.

"The CFS has alerted the trade to stop selling the products concerned and is closely monitoring the situation. We will continue to liaise with the US authorities and follow up on the incident," the spokesman said.

The Centre for Food Safety today (November 8) advised members of the public to refrain from consuming two US peanut butter products which are suspected of being contaminated with Salmonella. The trade should also stop selling the products concerned. Photo shows one of the affected products, Sunland Organic Valencia Peanut Butter Creamy.

Photo shows another affected product, Sunland Organic Valencia Peanut Butter Crunchy.

Ends/Thursday, November 8, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:40