Wednesday, February 18 2009
STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ESTABLISHES TOLL FREE NUMBER TO ASSIST HOOSIERS WITH PEANUT BUTTER RECALL
In light of the fact that the Salamonella outbreak in peanutbutter is getting worse, the Indiana State Department of Health has installed a toll-free number 1-877-499-0017 for callers with concernrs.
We tought this is important for all our readers to know.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Hart
February 16, 2009 (317) 233-7090
STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ESTABLISHES TOLL FREE NUMBER TO ASSIST HOOSIERS WITH PEANUT BUTTER RECALL
INDIANAPOLIS– Effective Monday, February 16, a toll-free number (1-877-499-0017 )will be available for Hoosiers without Internet access who need help identifying items on the expanded Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) recall. The recall list is available on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Web site at: www.fda.gov . National brand, jarred peanut butter found at grocery stores are not part of the recall.
There are more than 2,200 peanut-containing products listed on the FDA’s searchable database. Also taking into consideration the number of cases of the current Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak strain in Indianahas increased from six on January 30 to nine on February 6, state health officials say they are concerned the public may not be aware that items in their homes have now been recalled.
“ Salmonella can potentially cause severe infection,” says State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. “Hoosiers need to be aware of the growing list of recalled products related to the current Salmonella strain. People should not eat items on the recall list, but instead, should discard them immediately if found in their cupboards and thoroughly wash their hands. If the public sees a recalled item for sale at their local store, we ask that they notify the store manager immediately.”
On February 12, the Texas Department of State Health Services ordered Peanut Corporation of Americato recall all products shipped from its Plainview, TXplant since March 2005. This is in addition to the PCA expanded voluntary recall of all peanuts and peanut products processed in its Blakely, Georgiafacility since January 1, 2007. The PCA expanded recall includes all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), granulated peanuts, peanut meal, peanut butter and peanut paste but does not include national brand, jarred peanut butter sold at grocery stores.
The recall list is available at www.fda.gov by clicking on “Search Recalled Peanut Products.” This list will be updated on a regular basis as additional recalls occur and information is received by FDA from the industry. For those without Internet access, information on the recall list is available by calling the Indiana State Department of Health at 1-877-499-0017, Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. EST.
For information about Salmonella and the current recall, go to
www.statehealth.in.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO. ###
|