A recall has been issued for certain peanut butter products after routine testing detected salmonella in samples collected at a production facility. While the finding may not mean every jar is contaminated, officials and manufacturers often recall products out of caution because salmonella can cause serious illness—especially in young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Peanut butter can be especially tricky in recalls because it is shelf-stable and may remain in pantries for weeks or months. If you have multiple jars or use peanut butter in snacks, smoothies, sauces, or baking, it’s worth checking every container.
At a glance
- What: Peanut butter recall due to salmonella risk
- Why: Salmonella detected in production facility samples during routine testing
- Main risk: Foodborne illness; severe disease possible in higher-risk groups
- What to do: Check jar size/lot codes, do not eat, return/discard, clean and sanitize
- Urgency: Seek care for severe symptoms, dehydration, or symptoms in high-risk individuals
What is salmonella and how it can affect you
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms often begin within hours to a few days after exposure and may include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or body aches
Most people recover with rest and hydration, but some infections can become severe, leading to dehydration or spread of bacteria beyond the gut.
Who is at higher risk for severe illness
- Children under 5
- Adults 65+
- Pregnant people
- People with weakened immune systems
- Those with chronic medical conditions that increase dehydration risk
How to check if your peanut butter is included
Recalls typically apply to specific jar sizes, “best by” dates, UPCs, and lot/batch codes. Check:
- Brand and product name
- Jar size (for example, 16 oz, 28 oz, etc.)
- Lot code or production code (often on the lid, neck, or label)
- Best by / expiration date
- UPC (barcode number)
If you moved peanut butter into a different container (or made snacks using it), treat it as suspect if it came from an affected jar. When unsure, it’s safest not to consume it.
What to do if you have recalled peanut butter
- Do not eat it and do not taste-test it.
- Seal and discard or return it to the store if instructed.
- Wash hands after handling the jar or packaging.
- Clean and sanitize pantry shelves, countertops, and any utensils used with the product.
- Check for cross-contact with foods that may have touched the peanut butter (crumbs, knives, snack containers).
Kitchen cleanup tips
Peanut butter can leave residue on knives, cutting boards, and containers. To reduce cross-contamination:
- Wash utensils and containers with hot, soapy water.
- Sanitize surfaces where the jar was stored or used.
- Wash dishcloths and sponges or replace them if they contacted the product.
- Don’t reuse a knife that touched peanut butter on other foods without washing.
When to seek medical care
Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you or a family member has:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- High fever, severe abdominal pain, or worsening symptoms
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, very low urine output, dry mouth)
- Symptoms in a high-risk person (young children, older adults, pregnancy, immunocompromised)
- Blood in stool
Frequently asked questions
Can I cook with it to make it safe?
It’s not recommended. Even if heat can kill bacteria, recall guidance is to not consume affected product. Cross-contamination and uncertainty about how it was handled make it safer to discard/return the jar.
What if I already ate it and feel fine?
Not everyone becomes ill. Monitor for symptoms over the next few days. If symptoms develop—especially in high-risk individuals—seek medical advice promptly.
What should I document?
Take photos of the jar label showing the brand, lot code, best-by date, and UPC. Keep receipts if you have them. This can help with returns and recall reporting.