U.S. Tainted Food Scare Widens

According to the Associated Press and MSNBC, government scientists are still unable to pinpoint the source of the salmonella found in certain batches of Peter Pan and Great Value brands of peanut butter. Last week, Con-Agra foods, which manufacture both brands of peanut butter, issued a recall statement, along with the Food and Drug Administration. Nearly 300 people in over 39 states have fallen ill, and federal health investigators have stated they strongly suspect both brands of peanut butter to be the cause. Consumers have been warned to throw out all jars of said peanut butter with the labeling number beginning with "2111" which denotes the production plant it is made in.

On Friday, the first lawsuits against ConAgra Inc. were filed, the first from a Missouri couple who claims both they and their two children became ill after eating the tainted peanut butter. Other suits from around the country are also being filed.

How salmonella has gotten into the peanut butter remains a mystery, as any bacteria is killed in the peanut roasting process. Scientists suspect that dirty jars or equipment may be to blame. Salmonella is usually found in animal feces, and symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting. In those with lowered immune systems, death can occur. Salmonella sickens about 40,000 people in the U.S. each year, and kills around 600. As of yet, no deaths have been reported relating to the tainted peanut butter.

The public worry about food safety continues as an organic baby food company releases a news statement for parents. Earth's Best, an organic baby food company, released a press statement and posted it on their website about the recall of their Wholesome Breakfast Apple Peach Barley second foods jar. The jar has the labeling code of PF6J14 NP and the expiration date of EXP SEP 08. The jars are sold individually, or within a Wholesome Breakfast Pack, both in stores and online.

The Earth's Best recall is voluntary, in accordance with the FDA. The worry stems from the incorrect Ph levels in the product, in which exists the possibility of contamination of Clostridium Botulinum. At this time, no illness or contamination has been found. For more information, please call the Earth's Best Consumer Relations Hotline at 1-800-442-4221.

In another related story, The Dole Fresh Fruits Co. pulled several thousand cartons of imported cantaloupes from the market after the cantaloupes tested positive for salmonella. The recall is throughout the eastern U.S. and Quebec, Canada. The cantaloupes, imported from Costa Rica, were shipped in dark brown boxes in batches of 9, 12, or 15 to a box. The boxes had red lettering of Dole and the 13-digit number pasted to the box of the contaminated fruit had the 10^th digit "2". Customers with concerns can contact the store where purchased or call the Dole Co. at 800-232-8888.