Why Peanut Butter is Recalled
Salmonella in Peter Pan and Great Value Peanut Butter
When we hear about salmonella we usually think of raw eggs and chicken, but not peanut butter.
How does peanut butter end up on the list of recalled foods from salmonella?
Peanut butter is one of the safest foods around. Peanuts are roasted at very high temperatures which would kill any potential germs including salmonella. So how did peanut butter become involved in a recall for salmonella?
What is salmonella?
Salmonella affects about 40,000 people in the U.S. each year and causes about 600 deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Salmonellosis is the name of the infections caused by the germ salmonella. The CDC says 288 cases of salmonellosis in 39 states have been reported since August 2006. Eight five percent of those infected reported having eaten peanut butter.
Salmonella is usually associated with poor handwashing, handling of eggs, chicken, under cooked meats, and reptiles.
Symptoms of Infection
The symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and dehydration. The symptoms begin within 12-72 hours after exposure to the salmonella. The illness usually lasts 4-7 days and most people recover without any treatment. The most common form of treatment required is for severe dehydration which results if the diarrhea is severe.
Most of those infected recover without any lingering affects. However, the elderly, the very young, and those in poor health or with compromised immune systems may not fair so well and should seek medical attention immediately. In these situations, IV fluids and antibiotics may be necessary to treat an infection that has spread beyond the digestive tract.
The Source of Contamination
According to the government and industry health officials, the contamination at the ConAgra plant where Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter are processed, the equipment and jars may have been contaminated. The source of the contamination is unknown and still under investigation. All of the jars involved in the recall have a code which begins with "2111." The jars were traced back to the Sylvester, GA plant of ConAgra Foods Inc.
All Peter Pan and Great Value Peanut Butter can be Returned
ConAgra issued the recall and informed consumers that lids or jars of all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter can be returned to the stores where purchased for a full refund. The company estimates that the recall will cost them between $50 and $60 million.
The Inevitable Law Suits
So far three law suits have been filed gainst the manufacturer for medical costs and pain and suffering.
