UN Unilever NV

Unilever United States Inc. is recalling certain batches of Skippy reduced-fat peanut butter that may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

As consumers in 16 states could be affected by the recall, competitors, namely Jif peanut butter owned by J.M. Smucker Co. (SJM), are likely to see a small boost in sales.

Unilever issued a statement claiming no illnesses have been reported as a result of the issue and that no other Skippy products are affected. The company did not return requests for further comment.

Salmonella is known to spark consumer scares in the U.S. The bacteria can cause serious infections and can even be fatal in young children, frail or elderly people.

In January 2009, a massive peanut butter, and other peanut-products, recall, caused by contamination at the Peanut Corporation of America, was deemed responsible for eight deaths and more than 500 illnesses in 43 states.

Skippy is working with the Food and Drug Administration on its recent recall. Following the backlash of the peanut recall in 2009, it's likely the FDA is taking more precautions now. In the past 60 days, it has issued 38 other food recalls, according to its website.

Skippy's recall is limited to certain Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter and Skippy Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter spreads distributed in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. The affected ones are 16.3 oz plastic jars with UPCs 048001006812 and 048001006782. They also have 'best-if-used-by-dates' of MAY1612LR1, MAY1712LR1, MAY1812LR1, MAY1912LR1, MAY2012LR1 and MAY2112LR1.

-By Annie Gasparro, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2244; annie.gasparro@dowjones.com

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