New Seasons Recalls Bulk Peanut Butter

Normally I don't post press releases on GSNW, but this one seemed particularly important.

New Seasons Market Recalls Bulk Peanut Butter Because of Possible Health Risk

New Seasons Market of Portland, Oregon, is recalling self-serve Bulk Peanut Butter sold prior to February 3, 2009, because the bulk peanuts used in our self-serve grinders have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The peanuts used in the peanut butter grinders may have been produced by Peanut Corporation of America, who has recalled their peanut products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

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 the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The peanuts used to make Bulk Peanut Butter were distributed throughout the Portland Metro Area in all nine New Seasons Market locations. The recall applies specifically to the peanuts received from GloryBee Foods, Inc., then used in the peanut butter grinders sold before February 3, 2009. There are no specific codes or labels associated.

No known illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product. The recall was initiated after it was determined that the peanut product received was manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America. New Seasons Market has informed the FDA of its actions and is fully cooperating with the Agency.

Customers who had purchased bulk peanut butter from the New Seasons Market peanut butter grinders before February 3rd, 2009, are urged to return the product to any New Seasons Market for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact New Seasons Market at 503-292-1987.