February 17, 2007

LANSING - Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) inspectors continue to check small and medium-sized retail stores across the state today verifying that recalled Peter Pan and Great Value brands of peanut butter have been removed from store shelves. Out of the hundreds of stores visited, only a handful still had the recalled product on shelves and were mostly hardware stores carrying small amounts of food. MDA is currently focusing its survellience audits on smaller, independent stores who may not be directly linked to distributors like major chain grocery stores.

All Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter with the product code "2111" on the lid of the jar should not be offered for sale or eaten. Consumers who find the recalled peanut butter for sale to should report it to the MDA by calling the toll-free food safety hotline at 800-292-3939.

"MDA is working quickly to ensure these products are removed from the food chain and eliminate the public health threat," said MDA Director Mitch Irwin. "I urge Michigan consumers to contact MDA immediately should they find this product on their local store shelves."

The recalled product may be contaminated with Salmonella and is linked to 288 cases of foodborne illness in 39 states including Michigan. Consumption of a food contaminated with Salmonella may cause symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These symptoms could be serious or life-threatening in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

The recall of Peter Pan peanut butter was issued by Con Agra Foods on February 14. For recall details, please visit the Food and Drug Administration Web site.