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HomeCommunityHealth & WellnessHealth Department Alerts the Public about Jif Peanut Butter Recall

Health Department Alerts the Public about Jif Peanut Butter Recall

 

The V.I. Health Department is alerting the public and businesses to check the lot numbers of the J.M. Smucker Co. voluntary recall of select Jif products for potential salmonella contamination, distributed nationwide to retail stores and other outlets.

The FDA recommends that if you have used the recalled Jif brand peanut butter that has lot code numbers 1274425 through 2140425 and the first seven digits end with 425, you should wash and sanitize surfaces and utensils that could have touched the peanut butter, according to a press release from the Health Department on Monday. If you or someone in your household ate this peanut butter and have symptoms of salmonellosis (see below), you should contact your healthcare provider, the release stated.

Salmonellosis symptoms generally develop 12 to 72 hours after infection and last four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment, but many develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, the department said. More severe cases develop a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and some cases may become fatal, it said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 450 people in the United States die each year from acute salmonellosis. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe salmonellosis infections. Currently, 14 cases identified have been identified in various states, with two people hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

(DOH photo)

Recall information from the FDA advises that consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled Jif brand peanut butter that have lot code numbers 1274425 through 2140425, only if the first seven digits end with 425 (see photo example and Product List with UPC Codes below). This product has a two-year shelf life, so consumers are advised to check any Jif peanut butter in their homes.

(DOH photo)

The FDA, CDC, and other partners have investigated the multistate outbreak of salmonella infections linked to some Jif peanut butter products manufactured in the J.M. Smucker facility in Lexington, Kentucky, according to the Health Department press release. The results from their studies indicate that the peanut butter produced in the plant is the likely cause of illnesses in this outbreak, it said.

J.M. Smucker Company has voluntarily recalled certain Jif brand peanut butter products. However, if consumers have products with lot codes 1274425–2140425 in their possession, they should dispose of it immediately. Lot codes are included alongside the best-if-used-by date.

Anyone who participates in FNS programs with questions about reimbursement for their recalled product or who would like to report adverse reactions should visit www.jif.com/contact-us or call 800-828-9980 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or severe allergic reaction), call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem or complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.

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