"Peter Pan" peanut butter is displayed for sale at a market in this undated photo. Two brands of peanut butter made in the United States, "Peter Pan" and "Great Value," have been banned for sale in China since Friday, February 23, 2007, for possible salmonella contamination that may lead to the foodborne illness. An outbreak has appeared in the United States. [Photo: thebeijingnews.com]

China's Ministry of Health (MOH) last night issued a circular requiring consumers and food dealers not to eat and sell two brands of peanut butter made in the United States.

The MOH was notified by the World Health Organization (WHO) that the US-made peanut butter branded "Peter Pan" and "Great Value" may be contaminated with Salmonella and may have a possible link to the food borne illness salmonella which has broken out in the United States.

The two brands of peanut butter have been imported to China, according to the ministry.

The MOH said all the imported "Peter Pan" and "Great Value" peanut butter were produced after May 2006 with product code 2111 printed on the lid.

The MOH required customers should not buy the two brands of peanut butter and suggested they see doctors and voluntarily report their symptoms to health authorities as soon as possible if getting fever, abdominal pain or diarrhoea.

The ministry ordered the Chinese agents of the two brands to immediately recall the products. It also ordered food dealers to stop selling the peanut butter.