Peanut Butter Recall Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

January 23, 2009

To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section

This message is being issued by the U.S. Embassy to alert American citizens residing in and traveling to Honduras of a large-scale recall of peanut butter and peanut paste products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although mandated in the U.S., the recall now includes common commercial food items which may be found locally. The recall was initiated in response to a recent outbreak of illnesses caused by the salmonella in the U.S.

More information on the FDA's current investigations into the salmonella outbreak, and recommendations on how to prevent infection, please visit this page.

A listing of specific food items being recalled can be found here.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website  where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website,and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238 5114, after hours telephone (504) 236 8497; Consular Section fax (504) 237 1792; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov Webpage: http://honduras.usembassy.gov