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Jif Peanut Butter Recall Expanded Amid Ongoing Salmonella Concerns

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. l-expanded-amid-ongoing-salmonella-concerns.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, February 28th 2026 at 5:58 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

Saturday, February 28th, 2026 - The seemingly contained Jif peanut butter Salmonella outbreak of 2024 continues to cast a shadow, prompting renewed scrutiny and an expanded recall impacting a wider range of products and distribution areas. What began as a voluntary recall of approximately 15,000 cases in 40 states two years ago, including New Jersey, has evolved into a significantly larger issue, raising questions about long-term contamination sources and food safety protocols.

Initial investigations in 2024 pinpointed a single J.M. Smucker Co. manufacturing plant in Kentucky as the origin of the Salmonella contamination. However, despite a thorough cleaning and reported safety enhancements, intermittent positive Salmonella tests have been detected in routine monitoring. This has led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to broaden the scope of the recall and initiate a comprehensive review of the facility's sanitation procedures, raw material sourcing, and quality control systems.

The current recall isn't limited to jars of Jif peanut butter. The FDA has discovered that several products containing Jif peanut butter as an ingredient - including pre-made sandwiches, snack boxes, and even some bakery items - also pose a risk of contamination. This secondary contamination significantly increases the number of affected products on store shelves and in consumers' homes. Specifically, concerns have been raised about the persistent presence of Salmonella Newport, the specific strain identified in the original outbreak.

Key Details of the Expanded Recall (as of February 28th, 2026):

• Affected Products: The recall now encompasses all Jif peanut butter products manufactured at the Kentucky plant between January 1, 2024, and the present date. This includes various sizes and types of Jif, as well as any food item listing Jif peanut butter as an ingredient. A full list is available on the Jif website (see link below).
• Reason: Continued detection of Salmonella Newport during routine testing, indicating a persistent contamination issue.
• Distribution: The recall now covers all 50 US states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and parts of Canada. The initial 40-state recall has been massively expanded based on broader distribution patterns discovered through tracking and consumer reports.
• Consumer Action: Consumers are urged to immediately check their pantries for any Jif peanut butter products, as well as any foods that may contain it. Products with lot codes preceding 211273000000000 and dates before 211473000000000, while the original markers, are no longer sufficient for identification. The FDA now recommends checking the Jif recall website for a comprehensive and constantly updated list of recalled lot codes and product details.

The FDA's investigation is focusing on several potential contributing factors. Initial assessments pointed to inadequate sanitation practices within the Kentucky plant, but further investigation suggests potential issues with the sourcing of peanuts themselves. Experts are exploring the possibility that the Salmonella contamination may have originated before the peanuts arrived at the processing facility, highlighting the complexities of maintaining food safety across the entire supply chain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, as of today, 89 people across 17 states have been sickened by the Salmonella Newport strain linked to the Jif products. While no deaths have been reported, 22 individuals have required hospitalization. Public health officials emphasize that Salmonella infections can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

J.M. Smucker Co. has stated they are cooperating fully with the FDA and are committed to resolving the issue. They've implemented enhanced testing protocols and are working to trace the source of the contamination. However, the prolonged nature of the problem has led to increasing public criticism and calls for stricter regulations surrounding peanut butter manufacturing.

Resources for Consumers:

• Jif Peanut Butter Recall Website: [ https://www.jif.com/recall ]
• FDA Announcement: [ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-releases/jif-peanut-butter-recall-potentially-contaminated-salmonella ]
• CDC Information on Salmonella: [ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html ]

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Patch will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution when purchasing and consuming peanut butter products.