FDA Alerted Consumers To An Outbreak of Salmonella Connected To Peter Pan Peanut Butter. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted consumers to an outbreak of salmonella that is connected to contaminated Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter. The agency is asking consumers to throw out any remaining jars that have been purchased since May of last year.
“FDA’s warning is based on a just-completed epidemiological study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the states and local health agencies, which links 288 cases of food-borne illness in 39 states to consumption of varying types of Peter Pan peanut butter,” the alert explained. The first case of illness was reported in August.
Affected Product Codes Begin With 2111
The outbreak relates to peanut butter manufactured by Georgia-based producer ConAgra. The affected jars of both Peter Pan and Great Value have product codes that begin with the number 2111. (Some jars of Great Value peanut better are manufactured elsewhere and are not subject to the warning.) ConAgra is recalling all of the potentially contaminated products and has halted production until they discover the source of the contamination.
In a statement, Chris Kircher, a spokesperson for ConAgra Foods, said, “Although none of our extensive product tests have indicated the presence of salmonella, we are taking this precautionary measure because consumer health and safety is our top priority. We are working closely with the FDA to better understand its concerns, and we will take whatever additional measures are needed to ensure the safety, quality and wholesomeness of our products.”
“Symptoms of food-borne illness caused by Salmonella include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps,” the FDA noted. “In persons with poor underlying health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. Individuals who have recently eaten Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.”
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