Possibly Contaminated Peanut and Almond Butter Recalled

A salmonella outbreak has prompted the voluntary recall of dozens of peanut butter and almond butter products made by Sunland Inc., the manufacturer involved in a similar recall initiated by Trader Joe's, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The New Mexico-based company is recalling jars of its almond and peanut butter manufactured between May 1 and Sept. 24, according to a statement released Monday.

The peanut and almond butter was sold under several names, including Archer Farms, Earth Balance, fresh & easy, heinen's, Joseph's, Natural Value, Naturally More, Open Nature, Serious Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market and Trader Joe’s.

No other Sunland products are affected by this recall, and the company has identified the specific products involved. Click here for a list of UPC codes included in the recall.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. It is most dangerous to children, the elderly and others with weak immune systems.

Some 29 people have been sickened in about 18 states, including Washington, California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The illnesses were occurred between June 11 and Sept. 2.

That finding prompted Sunland’s voluntary recall, the company said, adding that customers with the recalled products on their shelves should throw them out or return them for a full refund.

"There is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers, particularly the many families who enjoy our peanut butter everyday. While FDA, CDC, and State Health Agencies investigate to confirm the cause of illnesses reported, as a precautionary step, we have decided to voluntarily recall our Almond Butter and Peanut Butter products," the company said in a statement.

Monday’s warning came on the heels of another peanut butter recall, that one initiated by Trader Joe’s and involving a Sunland Inc. product. The Monrovia-based company removed jars of its Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter in advance of the recall but still warned customers that contaminated jars may be on their shelves.

ALSO:

Boots & Barkley American Beef Bully sticks made by Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO, has been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.

Target carried the potentially contaminated treats, which were manufactured from April through Sept. 2012, the company said.

Click here to read the full recall statement.