Austin and Keebler Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers on Hold

Due to the Salmonella outbreak related to the Peanut Corporation of America, Kellogg's has placed a hold on their Peanut Butter sandwich crackers, sold under the band names, Austin and Keebler. It's important to note that Kellogg's has not received any reports of outbreaks related to their products, but they are taking precautions since Peanut Corporation of America is one of their suppliers. Though the precautionary hold differs from a recall, Kellogg's is removing the entire product from retail shelves and is encouraging customers not to eat previously purchased products. The products affected include: Keebler® and Austin® Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.

As of January 16, 2009, the Salmonella outbreak, believed to have started from contaminated peanut butter sold through the Peanut Corporation of America, has claimed six lives and has resulted in the illness of over four hundred people. The FDA has been working with the Centers for Disease Control to get a handle on the outbreak. Though the Peanut Corporation of America sells their peanut butter to numerous companies, the outbreak has yet to be directly related to any name brand peanut butter sold on retail shelves. The precautionary hold by Keebler is the first instance of the Salmonella outbreak directly affecting name brand, direct consumer marketed peanut butter products.

The outbreak has spread to 43 states and is believed to still be on the rise. The symptoms of Salmonella poisoning include feeling nauseous, having abdominal cramps and pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, the condition can result in fevers, muscle cramps and pains, feeling as if you have the flu or general malaise, and developing chills. It is important for anyone who develops these symptoms to contact their health care provider for treatment. In healthy individuals, the course of Salmonella poisoning can last between four days and two weeks, however for the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and for the very young, Salmonella poisoning can become life threatening. Additionally, if Salmonella is left untreated it can have serious consequences and complications could arise. Some of these complications include spread of infection, inflammation, and dehydration.

Both the Kellogg Company and the Peanut Corporation of America have set up toll free help lines to answer any questions that consumers might have. The Kellogg's hotline also provides information for customers who have previously purchased the peanut butter sandwich crackers and are interested in a refund. Here are the contact numbers for both the Peanut Corporation of America and Kellogg's.

Peanut Corporation of America

Toll Free Hotline: 1 (877)564-7080

Website: http://www.peanutcorp.com

Kellogg Consumer Response Center: 1 (888) 314-2060.