North Coast Co-op press release:

The North Coast Co-op received notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that nSpired Natural Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Arrowhead Mills peanut butters, Maranatha almond butters and peanut butters and specific private label butters (sold at Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Safeway, etc.) due to possible salmonella contamination. The products were distributed to Canada, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Dominican Republic and the United States.

The potential risk of salmonella was brought to the attention of nSpired Natural Foods, a subsidiary of Hain Celestial, by the FDA following routine testing. According to the FDA, nSpired has received reports of four illnesses that may be associated with these specific products.

“Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those 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,” according to the FDA’s website.

The North Coast Co-op pulled the affected product from its shelves and placed 85 phone calls to its members who purchased peanut or almond butter from Maranatha in the last month.

“We take the extra step to call every member in our database that has purchased the product because the safety of our customers is of utmost importance and our members truly appreciate the service,” said Melanie Bettenhausen, Marketing and Membership Director for the North Coast Co-op.

The North Coast Co-op invites shoppers to return recalled products to the Co-op for a full refund. A list of affected products and “best by” dates can be found at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm410533.htm or call the Co-op and someone at Customer Service can check the product dates. Arcata (707) 826-5947 or Eureka (707) 443-6027.

The Co-op relies on member data during a recall. Please take a moment to update your information with Membership Coordinator Bella Waters at (707) 382-3109. The Co-op never sells or shares information.