A representative of Sovereign Supermarket told The Gleaner yesterday that he had removed US-produced peanut butter from his shelves last week after hearing reports in the international media.

"I saw the news on CNN a while ago and took it into my own hands," the representative said.

US government officials on Saturday advised consumers to avoid eating cookies, cakes, ice cream and other foods with peanut butter until health officials learn more about the contamination, The Associated Press reported.

Karl Samuda, minister of industry, investment and commerce, yesterday told The Gleaner he was not aware of the outbreak and that "he would be making checks".

Hundreds sick in US

About 470 Americans have reportedly fallen ill during the recent bout of salmonella poisonings, 90 of whom have been hospitalised.

The bacteria is the most common source of food poisoning. The outbreak began late last year and forced the Peanut Corporation of America to voluntarily recall products from across the United States. Several supermarkets have followed suit.

It has not been confirmed whether peanut butter imported to Jamaica has been contaminated.