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Skippy Peanut Butter Recalled Over Salmonella Fears

(CBS) Skip the Skippy? Maybe not a bad idea, now that some jars of Skippy Reduced Fat peanut butter have been recalled over concerns that they may be contaminated with Salmonella germs.

Salmonella infection (salmanellosis) typically causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most cases usually last four to seven days even without treatment. But some people develop severe infections that require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics.

The recall - announced by Skippy's manufacturer, Unilever, in conjunction with the FDA - involves both creamy and chunky varieties.

The recalled jars were distributed to retailers in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin, according to the manufacturer's website.

The recalled peanut butter was sold in 16.3-ounce jars marked with UPC codes 048001006812 and 048001006782 and have Best-If-Used-By Dates of MAY1612LR1, MAY1712LR1, MAY1812LR1, MAY1912LR1, MAY2012LR1 and MAY2112LR1.

Consumers who have peanut butter affected by the recall should stop using it immediately and contact the company at 900-453-3432 for a replacement coupon.

Each year, about 40,000 cases of salmanellosis are reported in the U.S. But because many cases are not reported, the CDC says the actual number of infections may be 30 or more times greater.

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