FDA Recalls Peanut Butter
PRSD Not Affected

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat certain jars of Peter Pan peanut butter or Great Value peanut butter due to risk of contamination with Salmonella Tennessee (a bacterium that causes foodborne illness). 

The recall does not affect the district, since the district does not use either brand of peanut butter.

However, PR Food Services Director Cherry Cerminara wants to keep parents in the know in case they have the recalled peanut butter in their pantry.

The affected jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter have a product code located on the lid of the jar that begins with the number "2111."  

Both the Peter Pan and Great Value brands are manufactured in a single facility in Georgia by ConAgra.  Great Value peanut butter made by other manufacturers is not affected.

If consumers have any of this Peter Pan or Great Value brand peanut butter in their home that has been purchased since May 2006, they should discard it.

Symptoms of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.  In persons with poor underlying health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.  Individuals who have recently eaten Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately.  Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.

The outbreak appears to be ongoing and the first consumer may have become ill in August 2006.  The cause of foodborne illnesses can be difficult to identify.  As a result of extensive epidemiological testing and recent case control studies, CDC was recently able to identify Peter Pan peanut butter as the likely cause of illness. 

Consumers who have questions should contact ConAgra at 866-344-6970.