Voluntary Recall of Two Peanut Butter Products in the United States
Due to Possible Contamination with Salmonella
(Updated on 26 February 2007)
Background
On 14 February 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the news about the voluntary recall of two peanut butter products by ConAgra because of possible contamination by the bacterium Salmonella Tennessee and warned the consumers not to eat the affected products.
ConAgra voluntarily recalled the affected products from the marketplace. According to the FDA, all Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter bearing a product code that begins “2111” and all products containing Peter Pan brand peanut butter in question are potentially contaminated. All the affected products were manufactured in ConAgra's Sylvester, Georgia plant.
Actions Taken by the CFS
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has made an appeal to the trade to stop selling the same batch of affected products and the public not to consume them. In liaising with the major retailers and follow-up inspections, the CFS found no such products on sale in local market. The CFS will continue to closely monitor the situation and take action as appropriate.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacterium with widespread occurrence in animals, especially in poultry and swine, as well as environmental sources such as water, soil and animal faeces. Acute symptoms of Salmonella infection may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, and headache. Chronic consequences such as arthritic symptoms may follow 3-4 weeks after onset of acute symptoms. These symptoms could be particularly serious and life-threatening in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
High-risk Food
Typical foods that have been found contaminated by Salmonella include meat and meat products (e.g. roast beef, meat pies, sausage and ham), poultry and poultry products, milk and dairy products, as well as eggs and egg products (e.g. custards and cream cakes).
Advice to the Trade
- Stop selling the same batch of affected products.
Advice to Consumers
- Consumers who have purchased the affected products should stop consuming them.
- They should seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
Further Information
Further information about the incident can be obtained from the following webpages:
Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
26 February 2007