A Jif peanut butter recall has caused some of its snacks like trail mix and candy to be pulled out from store shelves and vending machines nationwide due to salmonella risk.

According to CBS News, federal health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of salmonella, of which at least 16 people from 12 states have been infected.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said two persons had already been hospitalized. The CDC added that four of five people interviewed reported eating different types of Jif brand peanut butter before getting sick.

Multiple Jif brand peanut butter types sold across the U.S. and in Canada were recalled last week. It includes creamy, crunchy, natural, and reduced-fat.

The J.M. Smucker Co. plant in Lexington, Kentucky was found to have the outbreak strain of Salmonella, Senftenberg, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The CDC noted that the actual number of sick people and affected states is likely higher as some individuals recover without being tested.

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Jif Peanut Butter Recall

Fruit and vegetable to-go cups with peanut butter sold at 7-11 and Wawa stores were among the Jif products that were recalled.

Snacks sold nationwide at stores such as Albertsons and Safeway and fudge at Walmart were also pulled out. J.M. Smucker has created an online form for consumers seeking a rebate for recalled products.

USA Today reported that the rebate option came after the company earlier suggested consumers throw away the products. However, consumers do not need to have the product on hand to seek a rebate.

In a statement, J.M. Smucker said they were asking consumers to fill out the form to the best of their ability, and the company will work to issue the correct reimbursement.

The firm noted that the Smucker plant in Memphis will "maximize output," while the Jif Lexington plant has temporarily stopped its production.

Health officials and the company have not yet released information about the size of the recall, including how much peanut butter was produced and shipped.

Sarah Sorscher, deputy director of regulatory affairs for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said it could take weeks to assess how many products were affected.

She added that peanut butter has a long shelf life, making the recall likely drag on for months.

According to NPR, the original recall covered 49 Jif products. It was then widened, including several well-known brands such as Del Monte's PB&J sandwiches and some of Albertson's store-made snacks.

Salmonella Investigation

The FDA, and the CDC, with state and local partners, are currently looking at a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg infections linked to Jif peanut butter brand products.

The FDA has recommended in its press release that consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not consume, sell, or serve any recalled Jif brand peanut butter, including recalled products that contain the peanut butter brand.

The agency also urged consumers to avoid feeding the recalled peanut butter to pets or other animals, including wild birds.

If consumers are unsure what to do with the recalled product, one can call or email J.M. Smucker company for more information.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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