Skippy Peanut Butter Recalled Over Possible Salmonella Contamination

March 5, 2011— -- The manufacturer of Skippy peanut butter issued a recall today of Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread, saying that jars of the product issued in 16 states may be contaminated with salmonella.

Unilever United States, Inc., made the announcement today that some jars of the peanut butter may contain the organism, which can cause fatal infections in young children and frail or elderly people.

The affected products, packaged in 16.3 ounce plastic jars, are:

UPCs: 048001006812 and 048001006782 (located on the side of the jar's label below the bar code.)

Best-If-Used-By Dates: MAY1612LR1, MAY1712LR1, MAY1812LR1, MAY1912LR1, MAY2012LR1 and MAY2112LR1 (Stamped on the lid of the jar.)

According to a release announcing the recall, the affected jars were delivered to stores in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

No illnesses linked to the potentially tainted peanut butter have been reported so far, the release said.

Consumers who have purchased the potentially tainted peanut butter are urged to discard the jars and contact the company for a replacement coupon at 1-800-453-3432.

An internal routine sampling initiated by Unilever led to the discovery that some of the jars of the finished product contained the bacteria, the release said.

Those affected with salmonella may have symptoms including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

In rare cases infection can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses like arterial infections.

There are approximately 142,000 reported cases of salmonella infections each year.