From the FDA: Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (yes... voluntary. Because the U.S. government can't call for a mandatory recall.) So far there are almost 400 sick people in 42 states because of the salmonella-tainted peanut butter. Marion Nestle speculates that this happened because "either the production lines were washed with sewage-contaminated water or somebody's hands were really dirty."
Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses.
UPDATE: While none of the peanut butters are sold at retail locations, products using them as ingredients might be. PCA is notifying all customers of the recall by phone and in writing so hopefully all of the products that use the peanut butters will be recalled as well. For example, several Kellogg products are being removed from the shelves as a precautionary measure.
The company responsible, Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), is a peanut processing company that makes peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies. The peanut butter being recalled was all produced by a plant in Blakely, GA after July 1, 2008.
If you are looking for a brand to avoid, the names to know right now are Parnell's Pride and King Nut. More details of specific products are below.
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