What Peanut Butter Is Safe to Eat?

Check your cupboards for unsafe products before eating anything with peanuts or peanut butter.

February 2, 2009 at 10:16AM by Diane MacEachern | comment

What peanut butter products are safe to eat?

Earlier this month, products containing peanut butter produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) were discovered to be tainted with salmonella. Over 488 people have become ill; six have died.

The government has issued this list of products consumers should avoid. It is quite extensive and probably includes some of your favorite brands, so please review it carefully.

The FDA says so far, no brand name peanut butter sold in grocery stores is linked to the outbreak. Your Jiffy, Skippy and Peter Pan should be safe.

Many schools do not serve peanut butter because so many kids are allergic to peanuts. Schools that do serve peanut butter that they got from PCA have had their supplies recalled.

The FDA says you would be wise to avoid foods like processed cakes, candies, cookies and ice cream that contain peanut butter or peanut paste. The Kellog Co. voluntarily recalled 16 products, including Keebler and Famous Amos peanut butter cookies, because they contain peanut butter that could have come from the Peanut Corporation of America.

If you think you have consumed contaminated peanut butter or peanut products, look for these signs: diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after eating the questionable food. Though most people recover without treatment, in some cases salmonellosis, as the infection is called, can kill. Take antibiotics immediately, and stay under a doctor's watchful eye.

What about the peanut butter treats you give your dogs? Pet Smart has recalled seven Grrreat Choice dog treats; many other pet snacks have been recalled as well (check the FDA's list). Allie's Answers asked Zuke's and Newman's Organics about the safety of their pet food. So far, no salmonella has been reported.

The Girl Scouts say their cookies are okay, too.

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