Is There An End To the Peanut Product Recall?

In mid January 2009 the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) announced a voluntary recall of peanuts and peanut products processed in its Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007 due to the potential of Salmonella contamination. On February 12, 2009 the Texas Department of State Health Services ordered PCA to cease the manufacture and distribution of all products from its Plainview, Texas plant and to immediately recall all products manufactured there since March 2005.

On February 13, 2009 PCA filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the U.S. bankruptcy court in Virginia.

By now most people have probably done away with any questionable peanut butter and other peanut containing products but just in case a recalled product or two got by you (as of February 22, 2009 there was 2591) the FDA provides a very thorough recall list that is updated regularly.

If you took your chances on a peanut butter or other peanut containing product and are now having some new sensations here’s what you need to know: most infected people develop diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps 12 – 72 hours after infection. To find out if you’re indeed infected a culture of a stool sample is usually taken. Salmonella poisoning usually lasts 4 – 7 days. Most people recover without treatment however there is the possibility of severe infections (especially in infants, elderly people and those with impaired immune systems.) As of February 19, 2009 the CDC had 654 case counts in 44 states.