US health officials are looking into a multi-state salmonella epidemic that may be linked to Jif peanut butter products.

The Food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other state and local health authorities, is investigating a Salmonella Senftenberg epidemic, according to an announcement.

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

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According to the CDC, 14 people in 12 states have reported illnesses linked to the outbreak. Two people were hospitalised. The CDC stated that all five people who contacted them had eaten peanut butter, with four of them specifically eating Jif peanut butter before becoming unwell.

“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 stated.

According to the announcement, an examination of a 2010 environmental sample linked the present strain to the facility. “The FDA’s investigation is ongoing,” the agency said, adding that “more information will be provided as it becomes available.”

Consumers should not consume – and restaurants and businesses should not serve or sell – any of the recalled Jif peanut butter products, which were distributed across the country. The goods also have a two-year shelf life, so consumers should check any they have on hand, according to the FDA. The lot codes for the goods are 1274425 through 2140425.

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Some Jif goods were transported to Canada with the identical lot code numbers and have also been recalled.

The extent of the recall was not specified by J.M. Smucker Co. or the FDA. J.M. Smucker did respond quickly to a request for comment.

The most recent illness was reported on May 1. Arkansas, Georgia (2 cases), Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, Texas (2), Virginia, and Washington are among the states where diseases have been documented.

What Jif goods have been recalled?

The FDA has a complete list of recalled products.

If you have used any of the goods, the FDA recommends washing and sanitising any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the peanut butter. If anyone in their home ate this peanut butter and developed salmonellosis symptoms, they should contact their doctor.

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Most salmonella infections cause symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. Diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps may occur in patients. Aches, headaches, increased fever, lethargy, rashes, and blood in the urine or stool are symptoms of more severe cases, which can be fatal in some cases.

Salmonellosis is a four to seven-day infection that most people recover from without therapy. The CDC estimates that around 1.35 million persons in the United States contract salmonellosis each year, with approximately 26,500 hospitalised and 420 dying.

This isn’t the first time this year that peanut butter has been recalled. Skippy Foods, LLC recalled 9,353 cases or 161,692 pounds of various peanut butter products in March due to the possibility of tiny stainless steel particles.