Peanut Butter Recall
Cattaraugus County Public Health Director, Barbara J. Hastings along with the New York State Department of Health is advising the public to be aware of the recent FDA recall of all Peter Pan and Great Value Peanut Butter with a product code that begins with "2111". Peanut Butter products with this code have been identified as having a link with Salmonella infection (Salmonella Tennessee Infections) and may cause illness in some people. She stressed that there have been no reported deaths attributed to this infection, however the elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have severe illness. State Department of Health reports that there have been several cases identified in the Western Region Counties of New York State. There have been no cases identified in Cattaraugus County as of February 15, 2007.
She recommends taking the following precautions if you have a product with this code:
- It is recommended that you stop eating and/or do not eat any suspect product.
- Contact your doctor or seek medical care if you are ill with the symptoms associated with Salmonella.
- Contact ConAgra if you have a question about the product at 866-344-6970.
- If you are sick and have symptoms, do not throw your unused peanut butter away but keep it in a safe location where it will not be eaten. You will be advised after your illness has been confirmed on the proper disposal of the peanut butter.
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that generally affects the intestinal tract and occasionally the bloodstream. Salmonella is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by contact with infected people or animals. Symptoms may range from mild to severe diarrhea, fever and occasionally vomiting. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop symptoms and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. Illness usually lasts between 4 and 7 days and most will recover without treatment. Antibiotics and anti-diarrhea drugs are generally not recommended for typical cases with intestinal infections.
"Cattaraugus County Health Department staff is working in conjunction with the New York State Health Department to ensure the wellness of our community", said Barbara J. Hastings, Public Health Director. She encourages people with symptoms to contact their physician or seek medical attention.
Released: February 16, 2007