Spreading the word ? The latest on the peanut butter recall

[David Baxter PhD]

Spreading the word ? The latest on the peanut butter recall
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., Mayo Clinic
February 10, 2009

For the past several weeks, my e-mail inbox has been filled with dozens of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls for hundreds of peanut butter and peanut-containing products. Maybe you've been flooded with information ? and misinformation ? about the peanut butter recall as well. Here are the key points you should know ? and share with others ? about the peanut butter recall.

• This outbreak is serious. Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting and fever within 12 to 72 hours of exposure. Illness can last 4 to 7 days and be mild to severe. It can spread from the intestines to the bloodsteam and cause death unless treated. To date, over 550 cases have been reported, resulting in more than 100 hospitalizations and possibly 8 deaths.
• It's far reaching. Although the contamination appears isolated to a single processing plant operated by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), its products are widely distributed. In fact, the FDA is working with over 1,000 companies that bought ingredients from this facility. As of last week, over 1,500 different food items (including pet food) containing tainted ingredients have been recalled. These ingredients include peanut butter, peanut paste, peanut meal, peanut granules, dry and oil roasted nuts. They're used in commercially produced cakes, cookies, crackers, snack bars, candies, cereals and ice cream.
• Removing tainted products takes time. The recall extends to products produced as far back as January 1, 2007. Fortunately, large food companies seem to be on board with the recall. But just think of all of the places peanut products could be ? from small neighborhood stores to your own kitchen cabinets. It may take time for all of the tainted products to be identified and removed.
• Major brands are not included. FDA says that the major brands of peanut butter that you see on grocery store shelves are not affected (Skippy, Peter Pan, etc.). However, it warns that peanut butter made from peanuts ground in stores may be affected.
• When in doubt, find out. FDA also cautions that you not eat peanut butter or peanut-containing food until you know its source. To find out, contact the manufacturer. If they don't know, don't eat the product. If you think you've become ill from eating a peanut product, contact your health care provider.
• Stay tuned. FDA posts recall updates online. Check their web site daily, and then go through your kitchen and remove any recalled products. You might also consider signing up for FDA email alerts.

This outbreak raises important questions about the safety of our food supply. Criminal charges have been filed because the PCA plant has a history of positive tests for Salmonella. In addition, there have been calls for congressional action to improve government oversight.