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A peanut butter recall has been announced for two kinds of Skippy reduced fat peanut butter. The Skippy recall was announced after routine tests suggested the products may be contaminated with the salmonella bacteria.

The Skippy recall, for jars delivered to 16 states, involves 16.3-ounce plastic jars of Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread.

Salmonella is a frequent cause of food poisoning and can cause severe infections.

UPC codes for the recalled products, located on the side of the label below the bar code, are 048001006812 and 048001006782.

Stamped on the jar lid, the recalled products carry these best-if-used-by dates:

• MAY1612LR1
• MAY1712LR1
• MAY1812LR1
• MAY1912LR1
• AY2012LR1
• MAY2112LR1

According to a press release for the Skippy recall, the products were distributed in 16 states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Those affected with salmonella may have symptoms including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases infection can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses like arterial infections.

Consumers who have purchased the potentially tainted peanut butter are urged to discard the jars and contact the company for a replacement coupon at 1-800-453-3432.

An internal routine sampling initiated by Unilever led to the discovery that some of the jars of the finished product contained the bacteria, the release said.

The Skippy recall has not been linked to any illnesses, as of yet, the release said.

Related Resources:

• Salmonella prompts Skippy recall of peanut butter (MSNBC)
• Types of Food Poisoning: Salmonella (FindLaw)