( CNN ) -- The possible discovery of salmonella has prompted a limited recall of Skippy reduced-fat peanut butter spreads sold in 16 states , its parent company announced . Unilever issued a press release Friday detailing a voluntary recall of Skippy 's `` Reduced Fat Creamy '' and `` Reduced Fat Super Chunk '' brands . The recall applies only to these branded items distributed in Arkansas , Connecticut , Delaware , Illinois , Iowa , Maine , Minnesota , Missouri , Nebraska , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New York , North Dakota , Pennsylvania , Virginia and Wisconsin . While there have been no known illnesses , the recall was issued for fear that some of the peanut butter now in stores had salmonella . The press release said that Unilever acted after inspectors conducting `` routine sampling '' found that `` finished products may contain the bacteria . '' There was no indication of where exactly the contamination was found , its severity or what steps were being taken to address it beyond the recall . The recalled products are sold in 16.3-ounce plastic jars , have UPC codes of 048001006812 or 048001006782 and have best-if-used-by-dates of May 16-21 , 2012 , on the top , the company statement said . Those with such jars should throw them away and call Skippy at 1-800-453-3432 to get a replacement coupon , according to Unilever . The Englewood Cliffs , New Jersey-based company issued the recall in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration , which posted a copy of Unilever 's statement on its government website . Salmonella is a bacterial infection that usually lasts four to seven days . About 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported each year in the United States , according to the CDC . Those who get it typically develop fever , abdominal cramps and diarrhea between 12 and 72 hours after becoming infected . Most people recover on their own , without needing significant treatment . But salmonella in very young and very old people , as well as those with weakened immune systems , can lead to severe illness and even death . The CDC recommends that anyone suspecting he or she may be ill from eating contaminated food should talk to a doctor .
Salmonella was detected during ` ` routine sampling , '' the company said . Unilever says it has no reports of people getting sick from eating the peanut butter . Skippy reduced - fat creamy , chunky peanut butter recalled 2012 . The recall applies to jars sold in certain states and the 2012 best - if - passed - by dates .