China's Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday night issued a
circular requiring consumers and food dealers not to eat and sell
two brands of peanut butter made in the United States.
The MOH was notified by the World Health Organization (WHO) that
the US-made peanut butter branded "Peter Pan" and "Great Value" may
be contaminated with salmonella and may have a possible link to the
foodborne illness salmonella which has broken out in the United
States.
The two brands of peanut butter have been imported to China,
according to the ministry.
The MOH said all the imported "Peter Pan" and "Great Value"
peanut butter were produced after May 2006 with product code 2111
printed on the lid.
The MOH required customers should not buy the two brands of
peanut butter and suggested they see doctors and voluntarily report
their symptoms to health authorities as soon as possible if getting
fever, abdominal pain or diarrhea.
The ministry ordered the Chinese agents of the two brands to
immediately recall the products. It also ordered food dealers to
stop selling the peanut butter.
(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2007)