Peanuts Added to Peanut Butter Recall

Peanut butter is a common food most people keep in their cupboard, especially if they have children. However, a new outbreak of salmonella linked to a large manufacturer could be causing harm. In this latest public health concern, shelled and in-shell peanuts have been added to the peanut butter recall. In addition to the recall put out by Sunland Inc., a peanut supplier in New Mexico, Hines Nut Co. of Dallas, TX has issued a recall of shelled and in-shelled peanuts. These products, while supplied by Hines, were processed within the Sunland facility, exposing them to the bacteria. The shelled and in-shell peanuts are sold as consumer products in large retailers including Dollar General and Walmart. As Mountainside Medical is located in upstate New York, we feel it is important to mention that some Hines products are also sold in Wegman’s Grocery stores, a popular chain in the local area. At this time, no illnesses have been reported from any of the Hines Nut Co. products. Currently there are 35 people, located in 19 states, who have been sickened by the outbreak. Almost two-thirds of those who have become sick are children under the age of 10. While there is a large product recall, most who have contracted salmonella consumed Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter. Most other products are being recalled on the side of caution, as many products by Sunland Inc. utilize the same processing equipment, exposing every item to cross-contamination. Salmonella causes serious health problems, including death. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It is suggested that any peanut products purchased from these companies with a “Best if Used By” date of October 12, 2012 through October 12, 2013 either be thrown away or returned for a full-refund. Due to the broad range of products handled by Sunland Inc., shelled and in-shelled peanuts have been added to the latest peanut butter recall.   For a current list of Sunland Inc. products involved in the recall please read their recent press release:  http://www.sunlandinc.com/788/html/pdfs/SunlandRecall.pdf   Sources: CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57532437/salmonella-recall-expands-to-raw-roasted-peanuts/ NBC News Vitals: http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/16/14480223-whole-peanuts-now-recalled-for-possible-salmonella-contamination?lite Patch.com - http://missionviejo.patch.com/articles/salmonella-over-100-nut-butter-products-recalled