Jan 22 2009
What the FDA says about the Peanut Recall
Are you as confused as I am about all the recent peanut product recalls? It seems like new products are being added everyday. Are there any safe peanut products out there? I decided to go right to the source to find out exactly what the story is with these recalls. I went to the FDA website for information and found exactly what I was looking for and more. By more, I mean an 8 page listing of every peanut product recall as of January 20th.
The FDA is continuing an active investigation into the source of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. They have traced sources of Salmonella contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) which manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste. These products are then distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in products like cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal, and ice cream. PCA also distributes peanut butter to institutions such as long-term care facilities and cafeterias.
On January 18, 2009, the PCA voluntarily recalled peanut butter and peanut paste products manufactured on or after July 1, 2008 at it’s Blakely, GA plant because of the potential of Salmonella contamination. These recent recalled products are sold by PCA in bulk and are not sold directly to consumers. The PCA has also stopped all production at this Georgia plant.
The FDA is continuing it’s investigation into the Salmonella contamination and recommends that consumers stay up to date with all recall information. The FDA also recommends that consumers avoid eating recalled products and to get rid of them in a fashion which would prevent others, including pets, from eating them also.
The FDA has created a list of products and brands associated with this recall and is keeping it updated on a regular basis as additional products continue to be added. Please refer to the FDA website for a complete list of peanut product recalls.
Some brands affected by this recall include, but is not limited to the following: King Nut, Austin, Kellogg, Keebler, Hy-Vee, Famous Amos, Little Debbie, and Walmart.
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm
