Shoppers who have purchased Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter Chunky with the Production Codes 1307004 to 1308004 with use by dates between 3rd and 4th August 2012 are advised of a recall affecting the product. Purchases would have been made since 8th November and the recall only effects the 16oz Chunky (not creamy) product.
Luckily, so far no health issues have been reported and probably, partly in light of the summer’s problems with Listeria, the company say the recall is being made with “an abundance of caution.”
The FDA announced the recall on its website, stating that the recall is being conducted in cooperation between Smucker’s and the FDA, but also makes it clear that it’s a voluntary recall affecting only those two best-before dates.
It is thought that the jars may be contaminated with Salmonella. The product was distributed in: 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, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
Production Codes 1307004 to 1308004 with use by dates between 3rd and 4th August 2012
Salmonella is a bacterium 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 (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Anyone who experiences these types of symptoms should not hesitate to contact their local doctor.
Smucker’s are urging consumers who have purchased the product to discard it. Those who still have their proof of purchase can request a replacement coupon at their free call number on 1-888-550-9555.
Written by Rupert Shepherd