MOH Is Recalling Popular Peanut Butter Brand 'Jif' Over Salmonella Contamination Fear
More than 48 Jif products are being recalled in the US as Salmonella infection can cause food poisoning.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 30 May 2022, 05:15 PM
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is ordering the withdrawal of Jif peanut butter products from shelves after learning that a huge batch of the products is feared to be contaminated with Salmonella
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and Drug Administration (USFDA) ordered stocks of Jif peanut butter with the batch numbers 1274425 to 2140425 to be withdrawn because of Salmonella contamination."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."
After checking the data from the Malaysia Food Safety Information System, Noor Hisham said MOH confirmed that the Jif peanut butter stocks of the numbered batches were imported into the country
"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.
MOH's statement stated that Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning if it is present in food such as meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods
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.
