PEANUT BUTTER RECALL

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Unilever has announced a limited recall of Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

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HAZELNUT RECALL

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Certain packaged and bulk containers of in-shell hazelnuts and mixed-nuts made by DeFranco & Sons of Los Angeles have been recalled because they could contain E. coli bacteria.

Seven cases of E. coli illness, possibly linked to the nuts, have been reported in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The nuts were sold by retailers nationwide and in Canada in November and December. No E. coli has been detected in the products but the suspicion it may exist prompted the recall.

Symptoms of E. coli infection may include abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Most victims recover within a week; however, some may develop complications requiring hospitalization. Young children and the elderly are at most risk of a potentially life-threatening complication that can include kidney failure.