Wisynco Group has embarked on an islandwide removal of some of the peanut butter products that it distributes, as there is a possibility they might be contaminated by salmonella.

In a release issued by the Bureau of Standards, the company stated that this action comes after a voluntary recall issued by Kellogg Company, in the United States of America, on January 14, 2009.

Wisynco, which distributes some of Kellogg's products, removing the items because there is a possibility they might be contaminated. The products are Keebler Toast and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and Keebler Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers. "Wisynco-Group has advised the Bureau of Standards of the recall and its efforts at removal of the products," the release said.

voluntarily recalled

The release further said Kellogg Company also voluntarily recalled other products, including some Austin and Keebler Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and select snack-size packs of Famous Amos Peanut Butter Cookies and Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies.

refunds

"Consumers who may have purchased any of these products are asked to return the products to the points of purchase for full refunds. The products are not to be consumed. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems," the release said.

The bureau is also encouraging consumers to be careful when purchasing products that contain peanut butter.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) report, the recalls followed a request from the agency for salmonella testing by food companies that may have bought peanut butter or peanut paste from a Georgia facility owned by the Peanut Corporation of America.

health and safety

The Bureau of Standards is collaborating with the Consumer Affairs Commission, the Jamaica Customs and the Ministry of Health, in an effort to ensure that the health and safety of Jamaicans are assured. Sampling is being done and tests have been undertaken to determine if the bacterium is present in any of the products.