FDA: Avoid Peanut Butter Products

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Federal health authorities are urging consumers to avoid eating foods that contain peanut butter until they can learn more about a deadly salmonella outbreak.

But the FDA says there's no indication of problems with peanut butter sold in jars at supermarkets.

Investigators are focusing on peanut paste and peanut butter produced at a Georgia plant owned by Peanut Corp. of America. Its products are distributed to institutions and food companies but are not sold directly to consumers.

Because of the concern, a number of manufacturers are recalling products made with peanut butter as a precaution. Kellogg's has recalled 16 products including peanut butter sandwich crackers and two varieties of peanut butter cookies.

The Midwest supermaket chain Hy-Vee is recalling products made in its bakery departments with peanut butter. Perry's Ice Cream says it's recalling some of its products that contain peanut butter.

The outbreak is blamed in six deaths and more than 470 cases of illness in 43 states. It has also renewed calls for tougher food safety laws.