Plant that produced tainted peanut butter has history of sanitation lapses

The Georgia peanut processing plant associated with the ongoing salmonella outbreak has a history of sanitation problems, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Inspection reports obtained by the newspaper from the Georgia Agriculture Department, covering the period from 2006 to 2008, show repeated problems with cleanliness at the Peanut Corporation of America plant in Blakely. Federal officials say the plant, which has ceased operation, is the sole source of the outbreak.

Similarly, Macon.com reported today that of Georgia's four peanut butter plants, the one at the center of the investigation was the only one in which samples weren't taken last year to be tested for the potentially deadly bacteria, according to the inspection records. "State officials did two inspections at the Peanut Corp. of America plant in Blakely last year—including one on Oct. 23, more than a month after the first people were sickened—but there is no indication in those reports that samples were taken for any kind of testing," the Web site reported.

The outbreak has sickened more than 500 people and contributed to the deaths of at least eight, according to the daily tally kept by the Centers for Disease Control. There are hundreds of foods listed in the database of recalled products being kept by the Food and Drug Administration.

Recalled to date are 29 types of protein bars, 35 brands of cookies, 14 types of dog biscuits and numerous other cakes, crackers, ice creams and other packaged foods. In addition to checking the database, the FDA and CDC recommend that consumers:

• Not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.
• Consult a company’s Web site or call the toll-free number listed on most packaging when looking for  information on products containing peanut butter from companies not reporting recalls. Keep in mind that information consumers may receive from the companies has not been verified by the FDA.
• Not consume products if you cannot determine if the peanut butter, peanut butter/peanut paste ingredient or institutionally-served peanut butter contains PCA peanut butter/peanut paste.
• Consult your health care provider if you think you may have become ill from eating peanut butter.