Some Skippy peanut butter recalled

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., March 6 (UPI) -- Some Skippy peanut butter products are being recalled in 16 U.S. states because they could be contaminated with salmonella, its maker says.

Unilever United States Inc. announced on its Web site Friday what it called a "limited" recall of Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread.

The peanut butter was sent to retail outlets in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The Skippy products were packaged in 16.3 oz plastic jars with UPCs 048001006812 and 048001006782, with the following Best-If-Used-By Dates: May1612LR1, May1712LR1, May1812LR1,May1912LR1, May2012LR1 and May2112LR1.

Unilever said no illnesses had been reported attributable to the salmonella issue. The Englewood Cliffs, N.J., company said it took the recall action after routine sampling revealed the peanut butter may contain the bacteria.

Anyone who bought some of the peanut butter included in the recall is urged to throw it out immediately and call the company for a replacement coupon. Consumers can call the company at 1-800-453-3432 for information.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people who become infected often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

No other Skippy products are affected by the recall, Unilever said.