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An FDA alert warns that the CDC has linked more than 288 cases of salmonella Tennessee infection reported in 39 states to two brands of peanut butter, Peter Pan and Great Value (from Wal-Mart), made at a facility in Georgia. The manufacturer, ConAgra, has issued a recall of all jars with a product code beginning with “2111” on the lids. The FDA recommends that all Peter Pan peanut butter bought since May 2006 should be discarded. The first known case associated with the ongoing outbreak occurred in August 2006, and cases continue to occur. No data were provided about the severity of illness in these individuals, although salmonella is known to cause fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Salmonella also might cause bacteremia and severe focal infections in immunocompromised and medically fragile patients.
Comment
Peanut butter is a pediatric favorite and a staple in many homes. Because of its long shelf -life, affected jars are surely still in many households. Therefore, the recall is a true opportunity for prevention. I highly recommend that pediatricians alert families by posting information about the recall with a large picture of the products in their waiting rooms. Suspected cases should be reported to public health authorities.