CBNNews.com - "Don't eat products made with peanut butter." That's a warning from the government.
Salmonella Outbreak
A salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter has killed at least six people and sickened hundreds of others in more than 40 states.
72-year-old Shirley Almer, died last month from salmonella after eating tainted peanut butter. This loving mother and grandma leaves behind a shocked and grief-stricken family.
Ginger Lorentz, Almer's daughter is confused and angry.
"It shouldn't have happened. It just shouldn't have happened," she said.
Peanut Corporation of America
The salmonella outbreak was traced back to the Peanut Corporation of America processing plant in Blakely, Georgia. The company has shut-down operations and laid off 43 workers indefinitely.
"A lot of our customers have worked there their whole lives. They have kids who are going off to college now and a lot of people got laid off," said Michelle Oliver, plant employee. "And there a lot of good people, a lot of family people who don't have jobs now. And that's my main concern. That's what affects me at home."
The FDA is looking for any products that contain peanut paste made at the plant.
"We are sending our inspectors out to every place where we know that there has been a sale and eventually we hope to get to the end of the line," said Dr. Stephen Sundlof of the FDA.
Traced Back to 6 Months Ago
Contaminated paste may have been produced as far back as 6 months.
Bill Marler, Food and Safety Attorney blames mass production.
"You know, you've got to think about this - this is mass produced. There are tanker trucks of stuff that came out of this plant," he said.
Salmonella was detected Monday in a package of Austin Crackers. Those crackers have been recalled along with more than 125 other products including cookie dough, ice cream, granola bars, and the list continues to grow.
The list includes big name companies like Kelloggs, Nutrisystem, and even PetSmart, the dog food company.
Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms develop within a day or two of eating the tainted food.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Product Recall for January 22, 2009