SINGAPORE — The Singapore Food Authority (SFA) has ordered the recall of batches of Jif brand peanut butter as a precautionary measure due to possible salmonella contamination.

This follows a similar measure in the United States from where the product is imported. At least 14 salmonella infections have been reported, American media reports said.

Manufacturer JM Smucker Co had recalled affected batches due to potential contamination with the salmonella senftenburg bacterium, SFA said in a media release on Tuesday (May 24).

The US authorities are now conducting investigations, SFA said, adding that it has directed importer DKSH South East Asia to recall the implicated batches.

They contain the lot codes 1274425 – 2140425.

“Salmonella senftenburg is a pathogenic bacterium and should not be detected in ready-to-eat food products,” SFA said.

It can cause food-borne illnesses including fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

The agency also advised consumers who nought the product not to consume it. Those who have and are concerned about their health should seek medical help, it added.

Consumers may also contact their point of purchase for enquiries. CNA