Recall of Peanut Containing Products

Beth Janicek

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 395

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The FDA has confirmed that the sources of the outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Typhimurium are peanut butter and peanut butter paste produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at its Blakely, Georgia processing plant. During the course of the investigation, the FDA determined the PCA distributed potentially contaminated product to more than 100 consignee firms. The PCA has since recalled all products processed in its facility since January 1, 2007. This recall includes all peanuts, peanut meal, peanut butter, and peanut paste. It does not include peanut butter jars.

The FDA finished its inspection of the PCA’s Blakely plant on January 27, which found deficiencies that indicate that the plant was not compliant with Current Good Manufacturing Practices required by the FDA. During the inspection, FDA’s investigators recorded that the firm had shipped products after having received a positive Salmonella test for the lot, followed by a negative salmonella test. A list of problems observed by the FDA can be found at this link.

Companies nationwide that received PCA’s product have issued voluntary recalls. The FDA has created a searchable database for these products, which can be found at this link. The FDA and CDC have issued some recommendations for consumers:

• Consumers are urged to check FDA’s website to determine which products have been recalled and will be recalled in the coming days. Any product that is on the recall list should be disposed of in a safe manner. Consumers are also urged to wash their hands after handling potentially contaminated products.
• If consumers are unsure whether a peanut-containing product is potentially contaminated, they should avoid consuming it or feeding it to their pet until they obtain more information regarding the product.
• Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut products are advised to consult their health care providers.