Skippy Peanut Butter recalled in 16 U.S. states

Skippy Peanut Butter recalled in 16 U.S. states

2011-03-07 06:32:30 GMT+7 (ICT)

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NEW JERSEY (BNO NEWS) -- Unilever United States, Inc. announced a limited recall of Skippy Peanut butter due to possible Salmonella contamination.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and includes Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread with use-by dates between May 16 and May 21.

According to the announcement, the product was distributed to retail outlets in 16 different U.S. states, including Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

However, to date no illnesses related to this issue have been reported.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

The recall was initiated as the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed that these finished products may contain the bacteria.

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