Recall Tracker: Peanut Butter Recall Updates
The salmonella peanut butter recall, which is still expanding, will likely be remembered as one of the largest in history. On January 28, 2009, the Peanut Corporation of America ("PCA") announced a recall of all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), peanut meal, peanut paste and peanut butter that had been produced at its Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007. Although none of the products involved in the expanded recall were distributed for direct consumer sale, the products were supplied to downstream manufacturers for use as ingredients in many other foods. To date, more than 1,500 consumer products have been recalled, and hundreds of companies (including manufacturers, distributors, grocers and retailers) have been directly impacted. Find products affected by the ongoing recall using the searcheable FDA Recall Interface. (just scroll down the left-hand column of our blog). We will continue to keep the interface, which is updated coninuously, running until the outbreak has concluded and recalls have been closed.
As you may recall, the salmonella outbreak was first identified by the CDC in late 2008. On January 13, 2009, following the discovery of salmonella in its products, PCA announced the initial recall of peanut butter and peanut paste. On January 28, 2009, following an extensive governmental investigation into the manufacturing procedures utilized by the company, PCA expanded the recall to include all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), peanut meal, peanut paste and peanut butter produced at the facility since January 1, 2007.
Given the expansive scope of the recall, and diverse use of PCA’s products as raw materials in many consumer foods, the FDA is continuing to work closely with industry to determine what additional products might potentially be affected. As continuing recalls are announced, the searchable interface will be updated automatically.
