Salmonella Outbreak: Jif Recall Expands

SEATTLE — The Jif recall has been expanded as health officials try to contain a salmonella outbreak linked to a Jif peanut butter plant in Kentucky.

Ten companies, including big names such as Walmart, Del Monte, Albertsons and Wawa, have recalled products that used Jif peanut butter as an ingredient or repackaged the product.

So far 14 people in 12 states have fallen ill due to the outbreak, two of whom have been hospitalized, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. One of the 14 victims is a Washingtonian, a resident of Whitman County, who did not require hospitalization. No deaths linked to the outbreak have been reported.

Genome sequencing tied the strain of salmonella to a J.M. Smucker Co. facility in Lexington. The company has recalled certain Jif peanut butter products made at the facility.

Below is a full list of the newly recalled products:

• May 21, Wawa apple and peanut butter dippers
• May 23, multiple Wilbur chocolate products made by Cargill
• May 24, multiple fruit snack trays and cups made by Country Fresh
• May 24, Fresh Seasons Power Packs made by Taher Inc.
• May 24, Garden Cut Apple Wedges and Celery Bites with Peanut Butter
• May 24, Mary's Harvest Celery and Apple Peanut Butter Cups
• May 24, various chocolate products containing peanut butter made by Coblentz Chocolate Co.
• May 24, store-prepared items containing peanut butter made by Albertsons Companies
• May 25, cut fruit and vegetable products made by Del Monte
• May 25, Walmart and Fudgeamentals fudge made by Fudgeamentals

The recalled peanut butter should not be eaten, sold or served, according to the FDA.

Salmonella can be fatal for certain groups, especially young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Most people who become infected typically experience symptoms within one to three days, which can include diarrhea, a fever, chills, stomach cramps and vomiting.

"Salmonella infection is very serious, and it is important that people avoid consuming the recalled peanut butter products because it could make you sick," said Dr. Scott Lindquist, the state epidemiologist for communicable diseases.

Consumers who have Jif peanut butter in their home should check the lot code, located under or next to the best by date, and should not eat it if the code's first four digits are between 1274 and 2140, and if the next three after that are 425. Any surfaces and utensils that could have touched the recalled peanut butter should be washed and sanitized.

Read more about the Jif peanut butter recall and the affected products.