Another Oklahoman Sickened By Peanut Butter

Monday, March 12th 2007, 8:41 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The number of Oklahomans sickened by peanut butter contaminated with salmonella has increased to 12, state health officials said Monday. The discovery of an additional person sickened by the peanut butter, which was recalled nationwide last month, prompted the state Department of Health to warn people again of the potential danger posed by the tainted product.

Jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter manufactured since May 2006 with the product code beginning with 2111 were recalled by ConAgra last month.

"Nearly every family has a jar of peanut butter in their pantry, so we want Oklahomans to take this product recall very seriously," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mike Crutcher. "If you still have jars of Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter with the product code beginning with 2111, throw them away."

Federal health officials linked cases of salmonella infection with the consumption of these particular brands of peanut butter manufactured by ConAgra at its Sylvester, Ga. plant. At least 425 people in 44 states have been sickened.

Product testing conducted by the Oklahoma State Department of Health has confirmed the presence of salmonella in jars of opened peanut butter obtained from some of the people who got sick.

Some stores will accept the product for a refund, or consumers can send the lid to ConAgra for a refund.

An Oklahoma City couple are among those who have sued ConAgra.

James and Candace Fish's lawsuit in Oklahoma County District Court seeks more than $500,000 in damages from ConAgra Foods, which they blame for their 15-year-old son's illness. Jesse Fish was hospitalized Aug. 10-12 after getting sick.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.

The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

However, in some cases the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.

To get a refund, consumers should send lids and their names and addresses to ConAgra Foods, P.O. Box 3768, Omaha, NE 68103. Consumers with questions or concerns may call the 24-hour toll-free hotline at 866-344-6970 or log on to www.conagrafoods.com.

For more background on this story, click on the links below to read additional stories about the peanut butter recall.

2/15/2007 - Recalled Peanut Butter

2/24/2007 - Oklahoma Couple Files Lawsuit Against Peanut Butter Maker

3/1/2007 - Salmonella Found In Plant That Made Contaminated Peanut Butter

3/2/2007 - Peanut Butter Recall Expanding