is peanut butter safe?

As of yeterday, the peanut butter salmonella outbreak has sickened 491 people (and an unknown number of dogs) across 43 states and subsequently linked to the deaths of 6 people. The last widespread salmonella outbreak was in the summer of 2008 and was a result of contaminated peppers from Mexico.

The peanut product recall has widened to include ice cream, candy, retail bakery products, frozen cookies, dog treats, and more peanut products made with peanut paste provided to United States food processors from The Peanut Corporation of America and sheds light on the complexity of our modern food distribution systems and the omnipresent significance of peanuts in our daily lives.

Consequently, my family and I have been very confused over which peanut products are safe, especially regarding the beloved peanut butter we use every morning when we are too lazy to cook something more substantial...

SO IS PEANUT BUTTER SAFE FROM SALMONELLA?

The answer is generally YES.

CDC has good news for peanut lovers:

To date, no association has been found with major national brand name jars of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.

Source: CDC (see "Recommendations for Manufacturers")

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the only brands of peanut butter that are affected include:

• GRANDE GOURMET
• King Nut
• POCO PAC
• Parnell's Pride
• Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride

I have never heard of these affected brands. But I guess the rule of thumb for continuing one's indulgence of peanut butter with a complete peace of mind is to simply stick with major, popular brand names.

Fortunately for me, I abhor peanuts and their nutty derivatives since the moment I was born and I would go for jam or jelly in any meal (perhaps, this is also why I am not such a big fan of peanut-centric Thai food...)!

SO WHAT ARE THESE MAJOR BRANDS?

According to the marketing data firm Information Resources, Inc, annual sales of peanut butter totaled $856.3 million in 2002. And the breakdown of the total market share:

• Jif: 32%
• Skippy: 23%
• Supermarket brands: 20%
• Peter Pan: 12%

So take your pick! I believe my family members are Skippy fans...

SO WHAT ELSE IS BEING RECALLED?

The most up-to-date list of recalled products provided by the FDA can be found here:

• Searchable online list
• List in Excel format
• Listin PDF format

Some popular products that come to my mind are:

• General Mills: Lara Bar Peanut Butter Cookie flavor snack bars and Jam Frakas Peanut Butter Blisscrisp flavor snack bars
• Clif Bar & Company: Clif Bar Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch, Clif Bar Crunchy Peanut Butter, Clif Bar Peanut Toffee Buzz,  ZBaR Peanut Butter, Clif Builders Peanut Butter, Luna Nutz over Chocolate, Luna Peanut Butter Cookie, and all Clif Mojo Bars
• Kroger: Private Selection Peanut Butter Passion Ice Cream sold at City Market, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, and Smith's stores.
• Kellogg Company: Certain Austin and Keebler brand peanut butter sandwich crackers, select snack-size packs of Famous Amos Peanut Butter Cookies, and Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies.
• LUNAbar: Women's nutrition bars.

JUST TO BE SAFE, WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SALMONELLA POISONING?

According to WebMD, symptoms of salmonellosis or salmonella poisoning, include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. They develop 12 to 72 hours after infection, and the illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. However, diarrhea and dehydration may be so severe that it is necessary to go to the hospital. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are at highest risk. If you only have diarrhea, you usually recover completely, although it may be several months before your bowel habits are entirely normal.

HOW IS SALMONELLOSIS DIAGNOSED?

Salmonellosis is treated by managing any complications until it passes. Dehydration caused by diarrhea is the most common complication. Antibiotics are not usually needed unless the infection has spread.

To prevent dehydration, take frequent sips of a rehydration drink (such as Lytren, Rehydralyte, or Pedialyte). Try to drink a cup of water or rehydration drink for each large, loose stool you have. Sports drinks, soda pop, and fruit juice contain too much sugar and not enough of the important electrolytes that are lost during diarrhea and should only be taken alternately with a rehydration drink.

Try to stick to your normal diet as much as possible. Eating your usual diet will help you to get enough nutrition. Doctors believe that eating a normal diet will also help you feel better faster. But try to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Also avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee for 2 days after all symptoms have disappeared.

IN CONCLUSION

Major brands of peanut butter are safe so I hope everyone may sleep well and won't ever have to go nuts over peanuts for the time being. 'Nuff said.

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