Peanut butter lovers go astray

Weak and disoriented was how Ronald Simpson felt during a sudden attack to his body about three weeks ago. He is one of many affected by the salmonella contamination in the Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter.
The sickness overtook him fast and it was not until later the next day he knew what occurred.
“I saw about the peanut butter on the news,” said Simpson. “Then I realized I had the same brand peanut butter and I checked the serial numbers.”
Simpson ate three slices of bread with just the Peter Pan peanut butter on it. After spending the entire day not being able to control his vomit and bowel movements, he was fine the next day.
FDA pulled ConAgra product Peter Pan peanut butter from store shelves nationwide after determining it to be the cause of mass salmonella poisoning. A February 14th press release informed the public of the Peter Pan peanut butter’s recall.
FDA and state/local officials are collaboratively conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the contamination.
On a local level, Virginia Commonwealth University students are experiencing a small taste of this nationwide scare.
Aramark Food Services is a catering and dining company which services the VCU student body. After hearing about the salmonella contamination many have wondered what Aramark is doing to reduce the chance of VCU students getting sick.
The answer is nothing.
According to an anonymous Aramark employee, the company has no way of knowing whether their peanut butter is contaminated. As a result, they’ve chosen to continue using the same peanut butter and have not reduced the amount served to students.
“What we do,” says anonymous Aramark employee, “we just are very strict and very forceful about the way people handle food. When a product gets to us we have no way of knowing. We assume that the product is okay.”
Anonymous source says responsibility ultimately lies with the factory producing the product. However, students are more worried about Shafer Court, VCU’s dining facility, and how employees handle food.
While some students are concerned about the recent recall others feel less affected. VCU sophomore Jobarie Townsend is one of many who doesn’t eat peanut butter and consequently disregarded the warnings
“Depending on how much peanut butter you eat it would be a concern to others,” said Townsend. “I think it’s something that needs to be taken care of but it doesn’t really affect me personally.”
Peanut butter recall has cost ConAgra major financial losses estimated to range from $50 to 60 million.
Customers are also taking a loss. Simpson is a peanut lover but has not eaten peanut butter since the attack.
“I love peanut butter on a slice of bread,” said Simpson. “I’m kind of skeptical on buying more peanut butter.”