NJ Jif Peanut Butter Recall Grows Amid Salmonella Outbreak

NEW JERSEY - The list of products affected by a salmonella outbreak connected to a Jif peanut butter plant in Kentucky continued to grow this week.

Ten companies, including big names such as Walmart, Del Monte, Albertsons and Wawa, have recalled products that used the peanut butter as an ingredient or repackaged it.

So far, 14 people in 12 states have fallen ill due to the outbreak, two of whom have been hospitalized, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Genome sequencing tied the strain of salmonella to a J.M. Smucker Co. facility in Lexington. The company has recalled certain Jif peanut butter products with lot code numbers ranging from 1274425 to 2140425 in cases where the first seven digits end with 425, which indicates the item was made in Lexington.

Below is a full list of the newly recalled products:

• May 21, Wawa apple and peanut butter dippers
• May 23, multiple Wilbur chocolate products made by Cargill
• May 24, multiple fruit snack trays and cups made by Country Fresh
• May 24, Fresh Seasons Power Packs made by Taher Inc.
• May 24, Garden Cut Apple Wedges and Celery Bites with Peanut Butter
• May 24, Mary's Harvest Celery and Apple Peanut Butter Cups
• May 24, various chocolate products containing peanut butter made by Coblentz Chocolate Co.
• May 24, store-prepared items containing peanut butter made by Albertsons Companies
• May 25, cut fruit and vegetable products made by Del Monte
• May 25, Walmart and Fudgeamentals fudge made by Fudgeamentals

Read more about the Jif peanut butter recall and the affected products.

Consumers who have the products should dispose of it immediately, the FDA said. Reimbursements will be provided to customers from the peanut butter brand.

“Our top priority is ensuring our consumers understand the details of the recall and are supported,” Jif said in a statement. “We recognize your trust, and our reputation are built on our fundamental commitment to high standards for ingredients and manufacturing. We take your concerns seriously and are committed to producing safe, high quality peanut butter.”

On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported salmonella in at least 14 people and two hospitalizations from 12 states. However, the true number of sick people is likely higher, as “some people recover without medical care and are not tested”.

"Four of five people interviewed reported eating different types of Jif brand peanut butter before getting sick," the agency said.

The affected states include Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, Missouri, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

CDC Investigators are working to identify whether additional products are contaminated.

Consumers who have questions or would like to report illness should visit www.jif.com/contact-usExternal Link Disclaimer or call 800-828-9980 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.