Inspectors recall peanut butter products

Europe Regional Veterinary Command food inspectors and Air Force Pubic Health inspectors are assisting in the recall of peanut butter products from store shelves, vending machines, theaters, dining facilities and other places on U.S. bases where those items may be sold or distributed.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced corporate recalls of peanut butter products, including some pet foods, after a Jan. 10 notification by the Peanut Corporation of America of potential Salmonella typhimurium contamination in bulk peanut butter and peanut butter paste produced after June 30 at its Blakely, Ga., processing plant. A list of the potentially-affected foods can be found on the FDA Web site at  www.fda.gov or on the AFN Europe Web site at  www.afneurope.net.

Col. Evelyn Barraza, Europe Regional Medical Command preventive medicine consultant, said medical treatment facilities have been made aware of the recall and are prepared to assist authorized beneficiaries who may present symptoms of salmonella.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most recover without treatment. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

If there is any question about whether a product in the commissary, AAFES Shoppette or vending machines is or is not safe, contact the local Veterinary Services. FDA and CDC reccommend that consumers not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them. To determine if commercially-prepared or manufactured peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) are subject to recall, consumers are urged first to visit the FDA’s Web site.

If consumers cannot determine if their peanut butter products contain PCA peanut butter/peanut paste, FDA recommends that they do not consume those products. If you think you are ill from eating peanut butter, consult your health care provider. Call your local military health clinic for information or to make an appointment.

(Courtesy of the Europe Regional Medical Command Public Affairs Ofice)