Tracy J. Chappelle 
NEW JERSEY — Convenience store chain Wawa is the latest store to remove products containing Jif peanut butter, which has been the subject of a nationwide recall due to a potential food safety issue.
Two products from Wawa stores have been pulled from shelves, according to the US Food and Drug Administration website. The products are:
- Wawa Apple & Peanut Butter Dipper 4.9 oz (all codes) – All Wawa Stores
- JIF Creamy Peanut Butter 16 oz | UPC: 00051500255162 | Lot codes: 1274425 to 2140425
The recall is part of a massive voluntary recall by JM Smucker Co. citing potential salmonella contamination at a facility in Lexington, Kentucky. You can find all recalled items at Jif Peanut Butter, including trail mixes and other snacks, here.
Consumers who own the products should dispose of them immediately, the FDA said. Refunds will be provided to customers from peanut butter brand.
“Our top priority is to ensure our consumers understand the details of the recall and are supported,” Jif said in a statement. “We recognize your trust, and our reputation is built on our fundamental commitment to high ingredient and manufacturing standards. We take your concerns seriously and are committed to producing safe, high-quality peanut butter.”
On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported salmonella in at least 14 people and two hospitalizations in 12 states. However, the true number of sick people is likely higher, as “some people are recovering without medical attention and not being tested”.
“Four of five respondents said they ate different types of Jif brand peanut butter before they got sick,” the agency said.
Affected states include Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, Missouri, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the frail or elderly, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
In rare circumstances, salmonella infection can lead to more serious illnesses such as arterial infections (ie infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
CDC investigators are working to identify if other products are contaminated.
Consumers who have questions or wish to report an illness should visit www.jif.com/contact usExternal Links Disclaimer or call 800-828-9980 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
