Product Recall Due to Salmonella Outbreak Expands from Jif Peanut Butter to Ice Creams and Salads

Households and food businesses across America are urged to take caution against eating or using Jif peanut butter as an ingredient for baked goods, sandwiches, and other treats amid the issued product recall linking the peanut butter to a salmonella outbreak.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the recall to include ice creams, ready-to-eat salads, fresh fruit cups, and even chocolate peanut butter treats following its initial advice on May 20.

J.M. Smucker Co., the makers of Jif peanut butter, said in a statement that the voluntary recall will cover all stores across the U.S. and Canada after 16 people got sick and at least two of the patients have been hospitalized. The company also apologized for the contamination at their Kentucky plant and offered reimbursement for the purchases.

Salmonella Outbreak: What Symptoms to Watch Out For

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also issued a warning to the public stating that those affected by the salmonella outbreak will likely be higher as peanut butter has a long shelf life and is widely used by many other businesses. The agency advised the public to check their stocks and ensure that they dispose of the product if it's from the batch of recalled items.

J.M. Smucker Co. has listed the contaminated batch in its official statement.

Salmonella poisoning may include symptoms like fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. A salmonella outbreak is riskier for children and the elderly because of their frail immune systems. Most people affected by salmonella may develop symptoms within six hours of bacterial infection. The illness may persist for six days.

The CDC said that, generally, patients can recover from salmonella poisoning without any treatment. However, they will need to hydrate frequently and for as long as they experience diarrhea. Hospitalization is necessary if the symptoms have become severe.

Other affected products, which have the peanut butter as an ingredient, include Vineland Protein Power Snack sold at all Walgreens outlets, Taharka Brothers Ice Cream sold in Maryland and the D.C. area, ready-to-eat chicken salad meals from Amazon Go, Rich's chocolate peanut butter sold nationwide, Giant Eagle peanut butter baked goods sold in Pennsylvania and Indiana, Quick Chek branded Apple and Peanut Butter Shack sold in New Jersey, Wawa Apple & Peanut Butter Dipper sold in Oregon, Fresh Del Monte fruit cups with peanut butter sold in all 7-Eleven stores, and all peanut butter products at Disney World and other theme parks.

The FDA established an extensive tracker page listing all tainted products with Jif peanut butter as the product recall's impact continues.

J.M. Smucker Co. Facing Potential $125-Million Loss

Meanwhile, CEO Mark Smucker said that the recall will likely cost the company more than $125 million. However, Jif products are still in some stores because they still have active plants in Ohio and Memphis, which have not been affected by the salmonella outbreak, per Just Food.

Smucker said that they are continuously working with the FDA so that the Kentucky facility will be back in operation as soon as possible.