Skippy Peanut Butter Recall: Salmonella Risk

March 7, 2011 -- Unilever on Saturday recalled two brands of its reduced-fat Skippy peanut butter.

Routine tests by the company suggest that the products may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. Salmonella is a frequent cause of food poisoning and can cause severe infections.

The recalled products, packaged in 16.3-ounce plastic jars, are Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread.

UPC codes for the recalled products, located on the side of the label below the bar code, are 048001006812 and 048001006782.

Stamped on the jar lid, the recalled products carry these best-if-used-by dates:

MAY1612LR1
MAY1712LR1
MAY1812LR1
MAY1912LR1
MAY2012LR1
MAY2112LR1
The products were distributed in 16 states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Symptoms of salmonella infection are fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, salmonella infection can result in life-threatening blood infections. Small children, frail and elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of severe disease.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should immediately discard the product and contact the company for a replacement coupon at 800-453-3432.