MOH Is Recalling Popular Peanut Butter Brand 'Jif' Over Salmonella Contamination Fear

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In a statement today, 30 May, the ministry said it learnt about the recalling of Jif peanut butter products from the US market due to fears of Salmonella contamination through a notification received from the International Food Safety Authorities Networks (INFOSAN).

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said, "The notification stated that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) ordered stocks of Jif peanut butter with the batch numbers 1274425 to 2140425 to be withdrawn because of Salmonella contamination."

"The peanut butter products have been distributed to several countries, such as Canada, Thailand, Honduras, Spain, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia."

"In view of this, the ministry has requested the importer to withdraw it from the market while the ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division will monitor the main entries to the country to ensure it does not come in," he added.

The health director-general said sellers must halt the sale of the products with the said batch numbers, while consumers who have bought the products are urged not to consume them.

According to CNBC News, a total of 48 products under the brand are being recalled.

Sandwiches, candy, trail mix, and other snacks made from the peanut butter by other businesses have to recall their products as well.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that the products have a very long shelf life, thus, consumers have to make the effort to check whether their products are affected or not.

Salmonella will form if food hygiene standards are neglected or the food is not processed properly.

Some people with Salmonella infection have no symptoms. The common bacterial disease affects the intestinal tract, explained non-profit organisation Mayo Clinic.

However, most people develop diarrhoea, fever, and stomach (abdominal) cramps within eight to 72 hours after exposure. Most healthy people recover within a few days to a week without specific treatment.