(RALEIGH) -- A New Mexico-based company is recalling 76 types of peanut butter, and other nut butters, after one of its products was linked to a salmonella outbreak. But Bob Sutter, CEO of the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association, says this particular recall is isolated, and it should not scare consumers in to boycotting all peanut butters.
"The major brands are safe. They have nothing to do with the Sunland plant in New Mexico."
The Food and Drug Administration and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have linked 29 salmonella illnesses in 18 states -- including one case in North Carolina -- to Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter. Still, Sutter says consumers shouldn't be afraid to buy peanut butter.
"Sunland Inc. is a small operation when compared to Jif and Skippy and Peter Pan. I just want the consumers to know that America's peanut butter industry is safe."
Sunland Inc., the maker of the Trader Joe's brand, has recalled 76 products under multiple brand names as a precaution, because they were manufactured with the same equipment. Sutter says consumers shouldn't be afraid to buy peanut butter.
"They should not be concerned about buying their normal brand if it is not listed on this recall list from Sunland, which most peanut butters sold in the United States is NOT on this list."
Sutter wants to head off a potential consumer panic by telling consumers that the major brands are still peanut buttery delicious and peanut buttery safe to eat. "It has not expanded to other companies," Sutter explains, "this is just a one shot deal with Sunland Incorporated in New Mexico."
The company also makes products for Whole Foods and Target. A complete list of the products listed in the recall can be found on the Food and Drug Administration website.
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