Peanut Butter Products Recalled Amidst Salmonella Outbreak

In the midst of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened over 400 people, King Nut Companies has voluntarily recalled two of its brands of peanut butter after positive salmonella tests on an open container. King Nut Companies is based in Ohio, and the peanut butter at issue was not sold directly to consumers, but rather distributed through food service providers. The recalled peanut butter is distributed under the King Nut and Parnell’s Pride brands, with a lot code that begins with the number "8.". Despite the positive salmonella test on the King Nut peanut butter, the FDA has not conclusively linked that peanut butter to the particular strain of salmonella involved in the recent outbreak. Meanwhile, according to King Nut, it has cancelled all orders with Peanut Corporation of America, its peanut butter manufacturer.

Further, companies such as the Kellogg Company and McKee Foods Corp., the company that sells Little Debbie snacks, have announced voluntary recalls of products that contain peanut butter. The investigation into this salmonella outbreak is ongoing, and until more is known about the salmonella contamination, federal authorities have advised consumers to avoid cookies, cakes and other foods containing peanut butter. However, the government has indicated its belief that most peanut butter sold in jars is safe. This recent outbreak has renewed calls for reform of the food safety laws and regulations.