Monday, February 19, 2007

The Great Peanut Butter Debate

We're catching wind of the Peanut Butter news. Zach and Sharon came over telling us about it, then Britt got the email below. We have a lot of it with this number on it. This is big news here because Peanut Butter is a HIGHLY sought after commodity in Haiti. A lot of ministries give it out to people in need. It is a great donation because it is so packed with protein. We have loads of it in our warehouse to give away in the next year.

This is where the debate begins. Troy says that because the jar above begins with 2111 (which is the jar in our kitchen) that we should pitch it out. *I* say that is just nonsense.

First, we already ate from that jar and we're fine. Second, we live in a country where throwing away food is an atrocity. Third, look at the "best by" date. You cannot tell me this peanut butter is the affected peanut butter ... this jar has not been on a shelf in America for two years ... it went "bad" in May of last year and would not have been available for purchase.

*I* think it is a different batch of 2111 that was recalled --- a newer batch. We eat almost all food that is past its "best by" date down here ... someone buys it, donates it, it sits in a warehouse for a year, then it shows up here and finally we get around to eating it long after its peanutty goodness is past its peak.

I am not throwing away peanut butter. If Troy wants to toss it he will need to do it under the cover of darkness, I'll have no part of that. He will also have to burn it because none of our neighbors are going to let a perfectly good jar of peanut butter sit in the trash.

Paige is with Troy.


Subject: FW: Peanut Butter recall
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:20:01 -0600
From: "Britt"
To: "Mom"

Dang, this is a peanut butter catastrophe!! It's good to know though that we third-worlders aren't the only ones with the infected nastiness. Seriously, who wants salmonella? Not I.

Britt

From: Collins, Jennifer on behalf of CollegeCommunications
Sent: Mon 2/19/2007 3:01 PM
Subject: Peanut Butter recall

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is warning consumers to avoid eating certain jars of Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

The affected jars of Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter have a product code that begins with "2111" on the lid of the jar. Both varieties of peanut butter were manufactured at a ConAgra facility in Georgia, and MDH believes some of the product was distributed to Minnesota stores. ConAgra has recalled all Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter beginning with the product code "2111," and MDH advises consumers who purchased these jars to discard them. Great Value peanut butter made by other manufacturers and not featuring the "2111" code is not affected.

If you have any concerns please visit the NWC Health Services office. They are open Monday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also reach them at 651-631-5246.

If you think you may have consumed the affected peanut butter, please visit your local Urgent Care or other clinic. Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but can begin up to a week after exposure.

- Health Services