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DEL.ICIO.USAre you worried about peanut butter recalls?
We eat a ton of peanut butter products so now I’ve really got to think about what I’m putting in their lunch bags and giving them for snacks.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Chinese milk recall was not that scary to me. A peanut butter recall - now you’ve got my attention.
We are one peanut butter-eating family! We’ve got multiple brands of jarred peanut butter in our cabinet and refrigerator (at this point jars aren’t being recalled), plus about a dozen products that have peanut butter in them.
According to a story from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
“The Food and Drug Administration on Saturday advised consumers to avoid eating any product containing peanut butter or peanut paste until it can determine how many products have been contaminated.”
“The FDA said it was not including jars of peanut butter sold in grocery stores, only products that were made with peanut butter, such as crackers.”
“ ‘We are urging people not to eat products that have peanut butter until we have better information and they can make an informed choice,’ said Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.”
“Already more than 450 people have been poisioned, and five people have died, as the result on of a Salmonella outbreak. A sixth death may be linked to the outbreak.”
As of Monday, Kellogg Co. had confirmed one single package of its Austin Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter had salmonella.
And The Associated Press also reported on Monday: “Midwestern grocer and retailer Meijer Inc. said it was recalling two types of crackers and two varieties of ice cream because of the possibility of salmonella contamination: Meijer brand Cheese and Peanut Butter and Toasty Peanut Butter sandwich crackers, and Peanut Butter and Jelly and Peanut Butter Cup ice cream.”
“Golden Valley, Minn.-based General Mills said in a news release Monday afternoon that it was recalling two flavors of snack bars: LARABAR Peanut Butter Cookie snack bars and JamFrakas Peanut Butter Blisscrisp snack bars. The company said the recall affected 15,000 cases and no illnesses have been reported. General Mills said the recall did not affect any other products it makes.”
We sold Girl Scout Cookies this weekend, and I had several questions about the safety of the peanut butter cookies. I sent a note to our troop leader to find out what to tell our customers.
So what’s in your cabinets? Are you pulling peanut butter products from your kids’ lunch bags? Will you throw the products out or wait and see if they end up on a list? Does pulling peanut butter affect the day-to-day feeding of your child?
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Comments
By Sugar
January 20, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this
I actually have NO peanut butter in my house. We very rarely buy anything that isn’t fresh. I very rarely buy anything “canned”.
Try fresh fruit or veggies in their lunch bags and/or for snack, instead of junky peanut butter crap. Just more crap going into their little bodies.
By motherjanegoose
January 20, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this
Wow…I thought most people had peanut butter, except those who allergic.
My son said he had someone try to buy peanut butter crackers while picking up a prescription and the cracker purchase was denied. That may be some assurance.
We love peanut butter on celery or apples…as a snack.
Sugar…I prefer fresh to canned too but not everyone has the luxury. My husband is not a big fruit eater as his family was military and they had 4 kids on an enlisted salary. The only fruit they got was fruit cocktail in the GIANT can. He will eat strawberries, bananas and MAYBE grapes…that is about it.
Peanut butter is the staple of many lower income families…also,there are families up north who CANNOT get fresh food without paying an arm and a leg.
We are very spoiled in the south the the vast array of fresh foods we can buy. I witness it every time I go to the grocery store on trips.
I compare your comment to someone who says…we never eat meat purchased at the counter of the grocer…we always go straight to the butcher.
WE did this in Texas but not here. Hope you do not look down on those whose enjoy peanut butter. It can be healthy!
The findings are published in the December issue of the Journal of American College of Nutrition. Specifically, the diets of peanut and peanut butter eaters were higher in vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and fiber. Nuts are also loaded with monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to lower cholesterol.
By new mom
January 20, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this
Well yes, we are temporarily forgoing our peanut butter eating around here…and I was just about ready to eat it again, after having a stomach bug last fall, let’s just say it was after I had eaten a pb&j, and I hadn’t been able to eat PB since! So lunches are a pain, if I eat deli meat I have to heat it up, and who has the time for that when little one is usually pulling at one leg!
We haven’t given our little one peanuts or tree nut products yet, apparently there’s a theory that the longer you delay their exposure, the less chance of them developing an alergy. I think it’s age 2 that they can start it? I’m sure there will be those here who will say that’s crazy :)
By Kathy
January 20, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
In my opinion, peanut butter isn’t “junky crap”, it’s a good source of protien for children. It’s good on apples and celery. Some people cant’ afford to buy everything fresh
By Storm
January 20, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
WHAT??? You can’t afford FRESH food but have plenty of money for canned junk?
Fresh food is MUCH cheaper and MUCH better for you.
There are other sources of protein out there people. You are just making excuses. Buying fresh means more work at home. Buying canned products just screams lazyness.
How difficult it is to grab an apple out of a bowl on the table. How difficult is it to eat that apple PLAIN?
I can buy 3 bags of apples for the cost of ONE jar of processed peanut butter.
By MA
January 20, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this
At this point with the recall NOT on jars of peanut butter my daughter is still taking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to school for lunch. She has not gotten sick. Peanut butter is a very good source of protein.
By new mom
January 20, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
I never knew there were so many peanut butter haters out there! :O
By CleverShrew
January 20, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
New Mom, I agree!
Peanut butter is actually a pretty healthy snack, in monderation. The oils and fats that are in peanuts are good for the heart, and many dieticians recommend it as part of a healthy diet.
I am not knocking fresh fruit, as it is always a good thing to have, but some fruit contains more sugar than peanut butter does and can actually be worse for some people’s constitutions.
Canned fruit is not “Junk.” Just as long as you get the ones that are canned in water, or light syrup.
By Storm
January 20, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
Anything that comes from a can, has TONS of preservatives and SUGAR and SODIUM added. Read the labels. It’s disgusting. Don’t even get me started on canned soups.
Fresh or Frozen is much better.
By Becky
January 20, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
We love peanut butter in my house..Never thought of it as junk food..As others said, it can be a great source of protein.
No, fresh food isn’t always cheaper..Just like people that think they have to have all organic..Well guess what? You’re gonna die one day just like I am..There are so many other ways to be healthy..
By SJ
January 20, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
Sugar,
The ingredients from the label of Smart Balance peanut butter that I buy: peanuts, flaxseed oil, palm fruit oil, salt, molasses.
No trans fats, no refined sugar, no hydrogenated oil. I’m OK with this, and I feel that it is a healthy addition to our menu. While we are certainly fans of fresh fruits and veggies, peanut butter is not the root of all evil.
SJ
By CleverShrew
January 20, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
Storm,
True for SOME things in a can. You cannot lump everything together in that category.
As for sugar, do you know how much sugar fresh (not canned) Pineapple has? So much that a borderline diabetic cannot even eat it as it will throw their blood sugar through the roof. Just because something is “natural” does not automatically entail that it is “healthy”
By Liz
January 20, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
Storm:
Please tell me where you are buying your apples? I shop very wisely and cannot buy 3 bags of apples for a similar price of a jar of peanut butter.
We eat very healthy and shop at the farmers market every weekend for fresh fruit and veggies. My kids still enjoy a pbj sandwich on whole wheat bread or having pb on celery or apples. They also eat both with nothing on top. It’s a choice.
Don’t put dowm people for their choices.
By BRC
January 20, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this
Not everything canned has preservatives or added sugar. The canning process is preserving in itself, so there are often no preservatives in canned fruit. I’m the only one in my family who likes pineapple and pears (they eat everything else, just not those 2 items). Since I can’t eat the fresh stuff by myself before it goes bad, I get those canned.
For a nice snack or a quick cold breakfast, try canned pineapple topped with cottage cheese sprinkled with ginger and cinnamon. Sounds strange, but it’s like the tropics in a bowl. And the cottage cheese adds a little protein, so it hold me for the morning.
But back to the question, we are being a little more wary of peanut butter products. It’s our turn to provide snack at preschool and my son wanted to bring in peanut butter crackers to share. I had to nix that idea and we’re going with fresh cut-up fruit (which I always send in anyway for our turn) and cheese sticks and crackers. We adapt. There’s such a variety of healthy food available that this bump in the road won’t waylay us.
By Storm
January 20, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this
Clever Shrew, The amount of sugar in fresh pineapple is OK. As long as there is NO ADDED or processed sugar, you are ok. That’s why dieticians and doctors, and other wise people, will tell you to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies into your daily diet. You don’t hear them pushing canned fruits do you?
Liz, try a local farmer’s market. Not the big on in Scottdale or Jonesboro, but your local community farmer’s market. Support your community and buy local. You will be amazed at the savings, and also you are keeping your money in your community.
Think about it!
By CleverShrew
January 20, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
Storm,
True, they do push fresh veggies and fruits, but as a matter of fact, my personal dietician has recommended canned fruits as long as they are in water, or light syrup. Her theory being that the canned variety is often easier to store, tote around, and keep fresh longer. Definately heavy syrup is a no-no, but the others are fine.
By Storm
January 20, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this
Liz, I’m not putting people “dowm” for their choices.
It’s just that our world is obsessed with weight. Americans are fatter and fatter than 30 years ago. It’s because our food has been packaged to be appealing. But, if you look very closely you will see that’s what’s making us fat. The preservatives, the sodium, etc.
Restaurants are the worst offenders. That’s why we don’t go out to eat either.
I much prefer to prepare my own meals, with local food, purchased in my community. My whole family pitches in, even the kids. They love experimenting with foods and seeing the results.
People just don’t want to take the time to prepare healthy meals. It’s easier to grab an unhealthy can of something than it is to take 5 minutes out of your day for your health, and your family’s too.
Now, don’t put me down for my choices.
By Liz
January 20, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this
Storm:
We never eat out and always eat healthy meals cooked at home with fresh ingredients. We shop for locally grown products and like your family, our whole family pitches in to cook. I am a diabetic and I have two daughters that are vegetarian. We often have meatless meals several times a week.
And I am sorry for my earlier typo of “dowm” instead of down.
By storm
January 20, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
I have a question for the blog……
How many of your kids, under the age of 10, have cavities?
By Liz
January 20, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
I have never had a cavity and none of my kids has ever had one.
By CleverShrew
January 20, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
Storm,
That is a good question, however, there is more to that than just diet.
I do not have any children, yet, but I have never had a cavity in my life, despite less-than-stellar eating habits. My husband on the other hand has several, and grew up eating fresh vegetables, and fruits. The difference? He is plagued by weak enamel, and I am not.
By JJ
January 20, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
Morning all, thought I’d pop in with my two cents….then it’s off to watch the swearing in ceremony….
We don’t keep peanut butter around, only because it seems to go bad before we use it all up.
Cavities - I have a mouthful of mercury, but my daughter doesn’t have one single cavitity. She isn’t a big candy eater either, neither am I (anymore). Given the choice, my daughter reaches for fruit or veggies. That kid can chow on a bag of baby carrots.
I buy TONS of fresh fruit and veggies. I’m at the store about two or three times a week.
And I love my local famer’s market (when in season). Suwannee’s Farmer’s market needs to catch on. There’s only about 10 vendors there, and three don’t sell produce.
I am going to put in my own veggie garden this year. If I have any surplus, I want to take it and try and sell it myself. We had veggie gardens when I was growing up. Love, love, love the feel of dirt under my fingernails. Oh I can’t wait to get started!!!!!
By Theresa
January 20, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
If anyone is wondering about the Girl Scout Peanut Butter cookies, here is the official answer from their Web site
They do not buy from the supplier under investigation.
By Patiently Waiting
January 20, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
I’m not a huge fan of peanut butter (I prefer almond butter), but whenever I purchase either, I goto Dekalb’s Farmers Market. They make it fresh and it taste great!
By new mom
January 20, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this
Hi Patiently Waiting, how are you and your new baby doing? A baby boy, right?
By cofthenight
January 20, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
I was just at Publix this morning and I am telling you…. fresh food is NOT as cheap as packaged food. Period. I hate hearing people argue about this, haha! The more “fresh” I buy… and I really really do try to do that… the higher my bill is. Frozen foods and canned stuff is cheaper. Let me again point out how one can get a bacon double cheeseburger for 99 cents at the drive-thru, but a bag of grapes is $3, has anyone noticed that? Craziness. :)
By motherjanegoose
January 20, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this
storm…please go to North Dakota, Nebraska, Alaska or New York and let us know how inexpensive the fresh fruit is there. Some of us need to step outside the box…are you listening? I travel for business and cannot check a cooler of food on the plane to cook in my hotel… THUS I EAT OUT A LOT WHEN I AM WORKING. If you are able to enjoy fresh fruit and veggies GREAT but the rest of the world is not always on your page. Please get over yourself.
By Storm
January 20, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
MotherJaneGoose, do they not have grocery stores in those places? Do you travel to remote villages?
I used to travel ALOT. I always hit the local market and bought enough fresh food for my weekly stay in a hotel. I also used to purchase fresh flowers to spruce the place up.
It can be done. Just because you travel, doesn’t mean you need to eat in a Restaurant every single night.
Excuses, excuses…..nothing but excuses.
By Kathy
January 20, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
This is regular Kathy (Little E’s mom), not the one from 9:02 (I just wanted to clarify that : ))
We are finishing up the jar of PB in the pantry, but after that we will probably not buy any for a while. We love PBJ sandwiches in our house.
As far as the fresh/canned discussion goes, there are some things that I buy that are canned in water or light syrup (pears, peaches, pinapple). I get fresh or frozen veggies and I will buy the produce that is on sale. We are on a tight budget and yes, fresh is more expensive. However, I don’t buy Little E and her daddy lots of chips, cookies, etc. (I did not include myself in that equation because I don’t eat snack food like that at all…trying to lose 30lbs.). The cookies/crackers I do buy are things like graham crackers and goldfish. I stay away from the chocolate stuff and those horrible fruit snacks/rollups. Talk about cavities! Those are the worst things you can eat as far your teeth are concerned.
BTW….I thought Obama’s speech was fabulous…anyone else? I didn’t even vote for him, but I am behind him now 100%.
By JJ
January 20, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
Kathy I watched. As I was watching the Obamas, I thought, Mrs. Obama is going to bring back style and grace, of which we have not seen since the Jackie Kennedy years…
I didn’t vote for him either, but I’ll support my President.
By motherjanegoose
January 20, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
storm…your name suits you…you blow in with all sorts of ideas, even though others are trying to explain things to you…the wind keeps blowing,
I AGREE THAT FRESH IS BETTER…who would not? I lived on the farm as a girl and we got our own eggs right from the hen house. We grew our own veggies and my mom canned them too and put them in the cellar. We even had a slaughter house. We had 400 acres. We had black angus cattle and barred rock chickens. My own children cannot get how I know the names of most breeds of cattle just by looking at them….LOL.
We live on 1/2 acre now…not quite the same.
FACT fresh fruits and veggies are often MORE expensive and have a shorter shelf life.
I am not on a tight budget but there are millions of Americans who are just trying to put SOMETHING on the table to eat. Why do you think so many folks are expecting the schools to feed their children?
I am agreeing to disagree with you…it is not always about being lazy, some folks do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables or the ones they have in the store look awful.
Also, I do not have time in a quick 3 day trip to Wisconsin, this week, to shop and cook food. I will travel 2 days and work all day 1 day…I enjoy trying the regional favorites…that is one of the perks of traveling.
Sorry…you are not convincing me even though I do respect your point.
By CleverShrew
January 20, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this
I have a huge confession to make…
I am very humbled by everyone who says “I did not vote for him, but I support my president”. If that is true, then I feel very guilty.
See, I did not vote for G.W. and furthermore, refused to acknowledge him as MY president. I basically whined, hemmed and hawwed the entire time he was in office. For those of you who are willing to put politics aside and support our elected leader, no matter what, I commend you, and owe all Bush supporters an apology.
Just had to get that off my chest!
By Michelle
January 20, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
Storm, I will have to say you sound very judgemental about people’s food choices. Something you should keep in mind before you start telling everyone what they should and shouldn’t be doing for their families, is that they may/may not have an education as to what is considered “healthy”. They may have grown up learing that fruit and vegetables (regardless of fresh or canned) is a good choice! I know this for a FACT because I am a nurse and cannot tell you number of people who thought they were making an educated decision about adding fruit to their diet by getting canned fruits.
Another thing you might want to consider…perhaps the people you are judging would rathing spend the extra time with their families because they have a long commute or work hours that are not “standard.”
People are also “shaped” by the eating habits of their elders. Eating healthy is a learned behavior (unless you live on an island or remote area with no processed foods). We happen to live in the south!
I am an educated person and I definitely took your statements as judgmental and as if those who don’t buy/serve fresh fruits and vegetables are committing some great travesty to their families! Thankfully you are entitled to your own opinions! Maybe you should proof your copy before hitting post to see how it sounds! Sometimes we write things in the heat of the moment and don’t really think about how they come across!!
Sorry…tirade over!
As for the peanut butter, I still have mine. Unless they recall what I have, I will continue to use it. I may however hold off on the peanut butter crackers since the recalled ones just happen to be the ones that I buy!! LOL!
By Storm
January 20, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
Why is it when someone’s OPINION differs from yours, that you assume they are being judgmental?
I can’t help the way you read posts. You are reading judgment into them. They weren’t posted as judgments, just trying to understand why people eat what they do and when.
Yes Peanut butter is a staple in American households, but not mine.
I have an opinion to express. If you can’t realize that, then you are the one being judgmental.
By Michelle
January 20, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this
Sometimes in order to grow, you have to learn to actually “listen” to criticism and stop defending the offending action! Don’t you think it’s a little “unusual” on this blog to have so many of the people actually feel like your are being a little judgmental? Perhaps that should say something all on it’s own!
Fresh fruits and veggies are most definitely the “best” for you. Just remember, if you aren’t struggling to put food on your tabletop or wondering where you are going to sleep, or even if you will have heat tonight, you might not be in the best position to PUSH your opinion of people being lazy because they don’t buy/cook food like you do!
I commend you for being able to take the initiative to be a healthier person! It’s definitely NOT easy in today’s society!
By Becky
January 20, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
Storm, could be that you say “buying canned foods, just screams lazyness”….
Clever Shrew, I’m so glad to hear you say that..I have a coworker that has done nothing all day except to fuss about our new President..I didn’t vote for him, but I will respect him as our new leader..Who knows, he may turn out to be the best President that we’ve had in a while..Lord knows that we can’t do much worse than what we’ve had the last 8 years..
By Michelle
January 20, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this
Sometimes in order to grow, you have to learn to actually “listen” to criticism and stop defending the offending action! Don’t you think it’s a little “unusual” on this blog to have so many of the people actually feel like your are being a little judgmental? Perhaps that should say something all on it’s own!
Fresh fruits and veggies are most definitely the “best” for you. Just remember, if you aren’t struggling to put food on your tabletop or wondering where you are going to sleep, or even if you will have heat tonight, you might not be in the best position to PUSH your opinion of people being lazy because they don’t buy/cook food like you do!
I commend you for being able to take the initiative to be a healthier person! It’s definitely NOT easy in today’s society!
By Kathy
January 20, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this
JJ…..I thought the exact same thing about Michelle Obama. I thought she looked beautiful and elegant. I am curious about her shoes. Were they green or black? I thought they just didn’t look right. Can’t wait to see what she wears tonight! The little Obama girls were just precious. They are such a beautiful family. I hope they all thrive in the White House.
By motherjanegoose
January 20, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this
I was freezing just watching Michelle…even though she did look like a classy lady. I have lived in the south way too long!
WHO among us could walk in those high heels for BLOCKS…LOL!
By JJ
January 21, 2009 8:08 AM | Link to this
MotherJane NOT ME, I sure couldn’t walk that far or long in heels. As a matter of fact, I don’t even own a pair of heels. Just tennis shoes (year round) and sexy sandals in the summer.
By Floridian in Marietta
January 29, 2009 6:53 AM | Link to this
Pretty funny all the harping of the benefits of fresh fruit and veggies. I guess all these folks have forgotten the E. Coli outbreaks on lettuce, strawberries, and how it was impossible to find a tomato anywhere. They don’t even take into account all the pesticides that fruits and veggies are soaked in. How many are scrubbing their fresh fruits and vegetables with soap before eating as recommended by the Feds? Instead of being food Nazis, you all need to realize that there are SERIOUS problems with the way that food is being produced and inspected in the United States. Greed of corporations as well as farmers trying scrape a living results in cutting corners and turning blind eyes to problems. Now we find that the contamination was known and the peanut butter was shipped anyway. Not shocking at all. And is there Mad Cow disease in the US? Of course there is, even Consumer Reports recommends against eating ground beef and sausage. You know, the same Consumer Reports that does not take any money from ads and is run by scientists. The FDA denied a company’s request to test all of its beef for mad cow dz. Less then 5% of beef is tested for Mad Cow DZ, even though there is a rapid test that could be done in the field on all cattle. Symptoms are similar to Alzheimer’s dz, with one of the only ways to tell the difference is a brain biopsy or autopsy. Most countries refuse to import our beef because of safety concerns. South Korea almost impeached their president and had tens of thousands demonstrating in the streets when he agreed to import US Beef this past year. Corruption and greed, the American Way, will eventually sicken and kill us all.
By Floridian in Marietta
January 29, 2009 6:57 AM | Link to this
Update on my last post. The US Tests a whopping 1% of beef for Mad Cow disease. I hope Obama reads this!
By Floridian in Marietta
January 29, 2009 6:59 AM | Link to this
Update on my last post. The US Tests a whopping 1% of beef for Mad Cow disease. There is no cure for Mad Cow DIsease and its 100 percent fatal. I hope Obama reads this!
By Bleh!
January 29, 2009 8:04 AM | Link to this
I hate peanuts! Good riddance!!!
By John
January 29, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this
This is much ado about nothing. 500 cases in the whole country POSSIBLY related to peanut paste and having nothing to do with peanut butter. You have a better chance of getting hit by a bus than getting even a stomac h virus from this. As they have said over and over, peanut butter in jars is totally safe as are 95 percent of the peanut products. Almost everything on this recall list is off brand products not even sold within 500 miles of Georgia.
By San
January 29, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this
The ingredients on my Smuckers Natural Peanut Butter are……. peanuts, sea salt. That’s it. No oil, no sweetner of any form. Just ground nuts and a bit of sea salt. Sugar, I don’t think that’s “junk”.