Created on Thursday, 22 January 2009 14:41
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Peanut Butter Recalled Due to Salmonella
The Marion County Health Department is aware of the nationwide recall of peanut butter and peanut butter products that began on January 19, 2009 due to Salmonella contamination. The recall has since expanded to various products sold to consumers at retail stores. Many companies have recalled a multitude of products. Visit the federal Food and Drug Administration site below for additional information.
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html
Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Salmonella are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. Contaminated foods are often of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, or eggs, but any food, including vegetables, may become contaminated. Thorough cooking kills Salmonella. Food may also become contaminated by an infected food handler.
Because foods of animal origin may be contaminated with Salmonella, people should not eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, or meat. Raw eggs may be unrecognized in some foods, such as homemade Hollandaise sauce, Caesar and other homemade salad dressings, tiramisu, homemade ice cream, homemade mayonnaise, cookie dough, and frostings. Poultry and meat, including hamburgers, should be well cooked, not pink in the middle. Persons also should not consume raw or unpasteurized milk or other dairy products. Produce should be thoroughly washed.
Cross-contamination of foods should be avoided. Uncooked meats should be kept separate from produce, cooked foods, and ready-to-eat foods. Hands, cutting boards, counters, knives, and other utensils should be washed thoroughly after touching uncooked foods. Hand should be washed before handling food, and between handling different food items.
