According to a press release issued by Unilever on Friday, Skippy reduced-fat peanut butter spreads that were sold in 16 different states of United States are recalled by its New Jersey based parent company, The Englewood Cliffs. This recall has been made in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration. Reason behind this recall is the discovery of Salmonella, which is known as a bacterial infection.

Usually lasting for four to seven days, Salmonella generally causes fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. In most of the cases, recovery of infected individuals is on their own, but in case of young, very old or ones with bad immune systems, this bacterial infection can even lead to severe illness or death as well.

The two brands that are particularly included in this recall are Skippy's "Reduced Fat Creamy" and "Reduced Fat Super Chunk" brands.

However, till date no illness has been reported, but this recall has been issued on the grounds of fear that some of the peanut butter in stores may have.

It was after the routine sampling conducted by inspectors of Unilever, when this recall was decided. They suspected some finished products that might contain bacteria, although no particular indication for existence of contamination was found.

The products that have been recalled were sold in 16.3-ounce plastic jars, and consist of UPC codes of 048001006812 or 048001006782 on them. Also the best-if-used-by-dates of May 16-21, 2012, are also mentioned on the side of the jar's label, below the bar code. So those with such jars are urged to throw them away and to intimate Skippy at 1-800-453-3432 for getting a replacement coupon.