Peanut butter recalled due to possible health risk Published Jan. 23, 2009 By 55th Wing Medical Group Public Health Office OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The Food and Drug Administration is conducting a very active and dynamic investigation into the source of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. The FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state partners have traced sources of the contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America. The plant manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste-concentrated products consisting of ground, roasted peanuts that are both distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in many commercially produced products including cakes, cookies, candies, cereal and ice cream. Kellogg Company also announced a voluntary recall of certain Austin and Keebler peanut butter products. In order to protect our populace the base public health office is working closely with the dining facilities, commissary and all other food facilities here to ensure recalled items have been taken off shelves. People are advised to view the searchable list of products and brands on the below links. If the products are listed, they are not safe to consume until further notice. Throw the products away in a manner that prevents others from eating them. Also postpone eating crackers, cookies, cereal, candy and ice cream until information becomes available about whether that product may be affected. The products which are not listed on the below links should be safe to consume. http://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/fso/alfood/alfood.asp http://cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/ http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html What is Salmonella? Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most people who are infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. However, some people may experience severe diarrhea which may cause them to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness. How do I get Salmonella? Salmonella lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Salmonella is usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. The foods usually have an animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk or eggs, but any food, including vegetables, may become contaminated. People can also get salmonella by coming in contact with their pets or pet feces. People should ensure they and their children wash their hands after handling pets. How do I prevent Salmonellosis? Don't eat recalled peanut butter or products containing peanut butter. Furthermore, cook meats and eggs thoroughly. Wash hands and kitchen work surfaces. Be careful when preparing food for infants and the elderly, because they are more susceptible due to their weak immune systems. Contact the 55th Medical Group Public Health Office Food Safety and Sanitation Section at 294-8242 or 232-5612 for more information (Courtesy of the 55th Medical Group Public Health Office)