January 27, 2009
American Healthcare Association
1201 L Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
Dear Sir or Madam:
As you may be aware, there has been a recent outbreak of salmonella in peanut butter sold to institutions and retail peanut products. Nursing homes have been asked to return or discard any King Nut or Parnell’s Pride peanut butter they may have in their possession. In addition, more than 125 peanut products have been recalled and more recalls are expected, according to the FDA. The FDA advised all consumers not to consume peanut products like ice cream and crackers while its investigation continues, unless the manufacturer indicates they are safe. As of January 26, 2009, this outbreak has been linked to 486 illnesses and seven deaths, most of them elderly persons.
We write to ask what AHCA is doing to notify retirement homes and elderly care facilities that may serve institutional peanut products about this recall and insure that recalled products are not consumed. The elderly are more prone to a fatal salmonella infection due to age and other complications with health. In order to ensure that our parents, loved ones and senior citizens are protected we urge you to be diligent in your efforts to educate and work with your member institutions to pull these products off their shelves. Your communication may help to prevent more deaths and help to ease public fear.
We look forward to hearing from you on this matter. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tim Marvin
Grassroots Organizer, Not in My Food Campaign
Consumers Union
1535 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-431-6747
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January 27, 2009
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
2519 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Dear Mr. Minnix:
As you may be aware, there has been a recent outbreak of salmonella in peanut butter sold to institutions and retail peanut products. Nursing homes have been asked to return or discard any King Nut or Parnell’s Pride peanut butter they may have in their possession. In addition, more than 125 peanut products have been recalled and more recalls are expected, according to the FDA. The FDA advised all consumers not to consume peanut products like ice cream and crackers while its investigation continues, unless the manufacturer indicates they are safe. As of January 26, 2009, this outbreak has been linked to 486 illnesses and seven deaths, most of them elderly persons.
We write to ask what AAHSA is doing to notify retirement homes and elderly care facilities that may serve institutional peanut products about this recall and insure that recalled products are not consumed. The elderly are more prone to a fatal salmonella infection due to age and other complications with health. In order to ensure that our parents, loved ones and senior citizens are protected we urge you to be diligent in your efforts to educate and work with your member institutions to pull these products off their shelves. Your communication may help to prevent more deaths and help to ease public fear.
We look forward to hearing from you on this matter. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tim Marvin
Grassroots Organizer, Not in My Food Campaign
Consumers Union
1535 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-431-6747