Peanut butter seems harmless—comforting, creamy, and always waiting in the pantry. But when safety slips through the cracks, even a childhood favorite can turn into a real health risk.
Over the years, several major brands have pulled jars from shelves due to contamination, quality control issues, or undeclared allergens.
Knowing which recalls happened and why helps keep you and your family safe with every spread.
1. Jif Peanut Butter Recall (2022)
A nationwide salmonella scare in 2022 hit one of America’s most iconic peanut butter brands. Dozens of products, from creamy jars to snack packs, were pulled after cases of illness spread across multiple states.
Always check the lot number—especially if it’s still sitting in the back of the pantry.
2. Skippy Peanut Butter Recall (2022)
Metal shavings in a peanut butter jar sound like something out of a nightmare. That’s exactly what triggered Skippy’s recall in 2022, affecting both reduced-fat and creamy varieties.
If you ever notice a gritty texture or off smell, it’s worth checking with the brand before another bite.
3. Quaker Oats Peanut Butter Recall (2023)
Hidden inside peanut butter granola bars and snack bites, the contamination wasn’t obvious at first. Quaker’s recall focused on products made with peanut butter that may have carried salmonella.
It’s a good reminder that recalls aren’t just about jars—they can be hiding in shelf-stable snacks too.
4. House Of Natural Butters Recall (2024)
Even natural brands aren’t immune to slip-ups. This 2024 recall was linked to a risk of listeria contamination in small-batch nut butters sold at specialty grocers.
People often assume handmade means safer, but that’s not always true when it comes to food safety.
5. Inspired Organics Peanut Butter Recall (2018–2019)
Marketed as clean, organic, and better-for-you, Inspired Organics faced a major recall spanning late 2018 into early 2019.
The issue? Salmonella again, a bacteria that doesn’t care how natural the label looks. Always check recall notices—even on brands that seem extra careful.
6. Peter Pan Peanut Butter Recall (2007)
One of the most memorable recalls in peanut butter history happened back in 2007 when Peter Pan was pulled from shelves due to salmonella concerns.
The outbreak was widespread and led to sweeping changes in how the brand handled safety. It’s a case that still shapes industry rules today.
7. Sunland Inc. Peanut Butter Recall (2012)
Sunland’s recall in 2012 affected not just its own products but also those sold under dozens of other labels.
Their plant had safety violations tied to salmonella contamination, triggering one of the biggest nut butter recalls on record. Afterward, the company shut down entirely.
8. Trader Joe’s Valencia Peanut Butter Recall (2012)
A favorite among shoppers for its simple ingredients, Trader Joe’s Valencia Peanut Butter was swept into the Sunland recall mess.
The organic version was flagged for salmonella risk, leading to a fast withdrawal. It taught many health-conscious shoppers to read recall lists just as closely as ingredients.
9. Kroger Peanut Butter Recall (2007)
Grocery stores weren’t spared during the 2007 peanut butter crisis. Kroger’s store-brand peanut butter was linked to the Peter Pan recall due to shared manufacturing facilities.
When buying private label, it helps to know who’s really making the product behind the scenes.
10. Walmart Great Value Peanut Butter Recall (2007)
Also tied to the Peter Pan incident, Walmart’s Great Value peanut butter jars were recalled due to the same contaminated batch.
The scare pushed many households to switch brands for a while. It was a reminder that low cost doesn’t always mean low risk.
11. Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Peanut Butter Recall (2014)
Even Whole Foods had to pull its 365 Everyday Value peanut butter in 2014 due to potential listeria contamination.
Sold in glass jars with minimalist labels, it looked clean and safe but didn’t escape the recall radar. A good reason to always double-check batch numbers after shopping.
12. Costco Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Recall (2014)
Costco’s popular Kirkland Signature peanut butter was pulled around the same time as the Whole Foods recall.
Manufactured by the same supplier, the issue affected several health food chains. It showed how one mistake at a supplier can ripple across multiple big-name brands.
13. Aldi Peanut Delight Peanut Butter Recall (2015)
Sold in both creamy and crunchy styles, Aldi’s Peanut Delight recall was due to possible metal contamination.
Small shards from equipment failure forced the grocery chain to act fast. A reminder that even budget-friendly options should be held to the same safety standards as premium jars.
14. Safeway Open Nature Peanut Butter Recall (2016)
Open Nature’s clean-label peanut butter was recalled for possible listeria contamination, despite being labeled all-natural.
Distributed through Safeway and Albertsons, the jars disappeared quickly once the notice went public. Transparent packaging doesn’t always mean transparent production—safety starts behind the scenes.
15. Target Market Pantry Peanut Butter Recall (2016)
Target’s Market Pantry jars were caught in a recall linked to undeclared allergens, a dangerous slip for families with food sensitivities.
The label didn’t mention peanut cross-contamination from the production line. It’s a strong reason to check allergy warnings and trace ingredients when shopping store brands.