Arkansas And FEMA Remain Proactive On Peanut Butter Issue 

Release Date: February 10, 2009
Release Number: R6-09-029

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- In support of a major nationwide United States Food & Drug Administration alert related to some peanut products suspected of causing salmonella food poisoning, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) continue to take precautionary and proactive measures.

As a precautionary step, state and federal officials suggest that residents, who received disaster-relief meals other than military meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), inspect the contents and throw away any item containing peanut products such as peanut butter or peanut butter crackers. To date, there have been no reported cases of illness among anyone who has received disaster-relief meals.

Military meals or MREs (meals-ready-to-eat, as pictured) are not included in the alert and have been inspected and deemed safe. MREs are those meals used by our military and come in durable brown plastic, water-proof packaging. Arkansans affected by the severe winter storms and in need of food will continue to receive these safe military meals as needed.

If any resident has a problem distinguishing their disaster-relief meal from an MRE, they should take the side of caution and throw away any items containing peanut products.

As a proactive step, FEMA and ADEM will be mailing out public service information flyers reminding those who may have disaster-relief meals on hand to inspect them and discard any peanut-related items.

Both ADEM and FEMA remain committed to the safety and well-being of all Arkansas residents. Public health services throughout the state continue to monitor for any health-related issues relating to this national recall.

The safety and well-being of all those affected by the severe winter storms remain of primary importance to all state and federal officials working on this vital Arkansas disaster recovery.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Feb-2009 10:08:25