The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) announced on January 29, 2009, that it has confirmed the source of the recent outbreak of Illnesses caused by the organism Salmonella Typhimurium as coming from peanut products produced at the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) plant in Blakely, Georgia.
PCA sells peanut butter and peanut paste in commercial sizes only and not directly to the public. For instance, their peanut butter is sold in containers ranging from 5 to 1700 pounds. Their peanut paste is sold in bulk containers which range from 35 pounds all the way up to a tanker container.
Over 100 Companies Issue Recalls
The FDA has been able to determine that contaminated peanut product was sold to over 100 companies for use in products such as cookies, crackers, cereal, ice cream and candy. No consumer jar peanut butter is included in the current list of possible contaminated products. Commercial peanut butter sold to schools and other institutions may be involved and has been recalled.
As of January 29, PCA expanded the list of recalled products to include all peanuts, peanut meal and granulated peanuts, as well as the peanut butter and peanut paste which have been processed since January 1, 2009. All of the products come from the PCA plant in Blakely, GA.
Pet Food Danger More to Humans
Some pet foods and snacks have recently been added to the list of products being voluntarily recalled by the manufacturers. The risk to pets of contracting salmonellosis is minimal, but there is a risk to humans handling these products. Effective handwashing for adults and children handling these foods and treats is essential.
The list is growing and changing everyday. It is too long and complex to list here. The FDA maintains an updated list on its website of all of the foods which have been recalled. Consumers are encouraged to refer to this list before purchasing or consuming any products which contain peanuts or peanut products.
Check Food Labels for Peanut Products
Peanuts and peanut products are present in a wide variety of foods, snacks and candies. The peanut infuses flavor and is often not suspected as an ingredient. For those who suffer from allergies to peanuts this can present a life or death emergency situation. As a result, all foods processed in the U.S. which contain even a small amount of peanut product must be labeled appropriately.
All consumers should read food labels carefully and compare any containing peanut products to the FDA list to prevent possible illness from contaminated products.
The FDA Findings
The FDA began its investigation of the PCA plant on January 9 when it was first suspected as being involved in the salmonella outbreak. It concluded its investigation on January 27. A final report has not been completed, but a list of problems observed at the plant by the FDA is available on its website (http://www.fda.gov/ora/frequent/default.htm). The problems indicate that the plant has not been in compliance with the Good Manufacturing Practices required by the FDA. Their cleaning processes are deficient and they have failed to implement procedures to prevent Salmonella contamination in their facility.
Read more about Salmonella and Peanut Butter from a recall in 2007.
Resources:
US Food and Drug Administration. Recall of Products Containing Peanut Butter: Salmonella Typhirium, Updated: January 30, 2009.
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