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Recall of Peanut-Containing Products: Salmonella Typhimurium

For current information on the peanut-containing products recall, go to:

• http://www.fda.gov
• http://www.cdc.gov

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) distributed potentially contaminated product to more than 100 consignee firms for use as an ingredient in hundreds of different products, such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream.

The FDA initiated an inspection of PCA's Blakely, Georgia plant on January 9, 2009 shortly after learning that this firm might be linked to the ongoing Salmonella outbreak. The deficiencies observed indicate that the plant was not compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's) required by the FDA. These deficiencies are related to cleaning programs and procedures as well as failure to implement steps to mitigate Salmonella contamination in the facility.

On January 28, 2009, PCA issued an expanded voluntary recall of all peanuts and peanut products processed in its Blakely, Georgia facility produced since January 1, 2007. The expanded recall includes all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), granulated peanuts, peanut meal, peanut butter and peanut paste. All of the recalled peanuts and peanut products were made only at the company’s Blakely, Georgia facility.

On January 30, 2009, the FDA confirmed that their Office of Criminal Investigations is involved in a Justice Department investigation of PCA.

The FDA has been working with the company and purchasers of PCA's peanut butter and peanut paste to identify affected products and to facilitate their removal from the market. The FDA and state officials have visited in excess of 1,000 firms who purchased PCA products. Now, the same type of work is continuing which includes adding new products to the expanded recall list and providing recommendations to consumers.

FDA and CDC recommendations for consumers include:

• Consumers are urged to check the FDA's web site (http://www.fda.gov) to determine which products have been recalled and will be recalled in the coming days.
• Any product that is on the recall list should be disposed of in a safe manner.
• If consumers are unsure whether a peanut-containing product is potentially contaminated, they should avoid consuming it or feeding it to their pet until they obtain more information regarding the product.
• Consumers are also urged to wash their hands after handling potentially contaminated products.
• Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut products are advised to consult their health care providers.

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