Smucker's Peanut Butter Recall Issued on Salmonella Fears
The J.M. Smucker Co. issued a voluntary peanut butter recall Thursday, saying jars sold in 24 states and the District of Columbia may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recall only affects 16-ounce jars of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky, stamped "Best If Used By" August 3, 2012 and August 4, 2012. The jars are also marked with a barcode number of 5150001701, and a production code of 1307004 or 1308004, Smucker says.
Jars affected by the Smucker's peanut butter recall were sold between Nov. 8 and Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C., and the following states: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
A production-line sample of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky revealed possible Salmonella contamination, the company says. To date, no one has gotten sick.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause potentially fatal infections in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Salmonella infection may lead to fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The Smucker recall follows a deadly outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to peanut butter produced at a Georgia factory in 2008 and 2009. Nine people died, and more than 700 were sickened.
An investigation found the Peanut Corporation of America knew their peanut butter may be contaminated, but shipped the products anyway. Victims sued, and the PCA settled for $12 million.
Anyone who purchased a jar affected by Smucker's peanut butter recall can call 1-888-550-9555 for a replacement coupon.
Related Resources
- Smucker recalls some peanut butter on possible Salmonella (Reuters)
- Smucker's recalls chunky peanut butter over Salmonella fears (CNN)
- Recalls and Safety Alerts(FindLaw)
- $12M Settlement Approved in Peanut Salmonella Case(FindLaw's Decided)