Salmonella threat hits peanut butter in U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S Food and Drug Administration in assistance with state public health officials are investigating what is believed to be the first salmonella outbreak associated with peanut butter in U.S. history.

A large multi-state Salmonella outbreak linked to tainted peanut butter has slowly grown to nearly 300 cases in 39 states since August 2006, federal health officials said.

U.S. health authorities warned that certain batches of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter a product code on the lid that begins with the number "2111” had been linked to a salmonella outbreak. Both products are manufactured at a ConAgra facility in Georgia.

Shoppers across the country are cautioned to discard Peter Pan or Great Value brand peanut butter in their homes that has been bought since May 2006.

With New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee and Missouri are among the most affected areas, 20 percent of all the ill were hospitalized, news reports state.

Meanwhile, the Georgia plant has been shut down for investigations, FDA inspectors are trying to figure out the root cause of contamination.

"The heating process is sufficient to kill salmonella, should it be present in the nuts," Mike Doyle, Director, University of Georgia's Center for Food Safety said.

The contamination is likely to be have been caused by dirty jars or equipment, investigators believe.

Symptoms of illness caused by salmonella bacteria include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The illness can prove fatal for people in poor health or with weakened immune systems.

Made of roasted, ground, and blended peanuts, peanut butter provides protection against cardiovascular disease due to high levels of monounsaturated fats and Resveratrol. It is also an excellent source of protein, and vitamins B3 and E. High levels of magnesium, folate, dietary fiber and arginine are also found in peanuts.

Founded in 1919, ConAgra Foods, Inc. is one of North America's largest packaged foods companies.

ConAgra was first gripped by the recall saga in July 2002 when it recalled 19 million pounds of ground beef with bacterial contamination affecting 19 people in six states.