Some Jif peanut butter products recalled over salmonella outbreak concerns

Health officials are investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak they believe is linked to some Jif peanut butter products.

The Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other state and local health agencies, are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg, the agency said in an announcement.

As a result, the J. M. Smucker Co. is recalling many of its Jif peanut butter products produced at a plant in Lexington, Kentucky, for possible contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

So far, 14 people in 12 states have reported illnesses connected to the outbreak, the CDC said. Two were hospitalized. All five people who contacted the CDC had reported eating peanut butter, with four of them specifically eating Jif peanut butter before getting ill, the CDC said.

“Epidemiologic evidence indicates that Jif brand peanut butter produced in the J.M. Smucker Company facility located in Lexington, KY, is the likely cause of illnesses in this outbreak,” the FDA said.

Food recall:185,000 pounds of Smithfield food precooked bacon toppings for possible metal pieces

Tired of burritos falling apart?:Students create edible tape to hold them and wraps together.

The release says an analysis based on a 2010 environmental sample has linked the current strain to the plant. “FDA’s investigation is ongoing and more information will be provided as it becomes available,” the agency said.

Consumers should not eat – and restaurants and stores should not serve or sell – any of the recalled Jif peanut butter products, which were shipped nationwide. And the products have a two-year shelf life, so consumers should check any they have on hand, the FDA says. The products have lot code numbers 1274425 through 2140425.

Some Jif products, with the same lot code numbers, were shipped to Canada and have been recalled, too.