Gel Spice Co. Recalls Small Chop Granules Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

GEL SPICE CO of BAYONNE, NJ is recalling SMALL CHOP GRANULATED PEANUTS, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

SMALL CHOP GRANULATED PEANUTS were distributed in New Jersey, Michigan and Iowa.

This product was labeled and marked as :

GRANULATED PEANUTS Item# 89425 Packaged in 5lb corrugated cartons. Expiration Date : 01/2010 – 01/2012

SMALL CHOP – SMALL GRANULATED PEANUTS Item#: 541000 541005 Packaged in 30lb corrugated cartons.

Approximately 500 illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Peanut Corporation of America, Blakely Georgia Facility, which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the Peanut Corporation of America continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased GRANULATED PEANUTS are urged to return it to Gel Spice Co., in Bayonne, NJ . Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-922- 0230.