CP+Group+3

 Jif Creamy Peanut Butter Culminating Group Project  **Members:** Melissa Bauer, Kanwaljeet Gill, Emily Mcmahen & Karla Sparks

 ** Video - Melissa **

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**Basic Information -** Kanwaljeet

 Other Info: **
 * Ingredient List :** Roasted Peanuts, Sugar, Peanut Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Salt, Cooking Molasses, Mono- And Diglycerides
 * Manufacturer** : JM Smucker Company
 * Where product is processed /packaged :** Lexington Kentucky USA **
 * Front label has picture of roasted peanut
 * Displays 0 Trans fat label Toll free phone number for questions provided – 1800-567-1897
 * Standard Safety Statement listed “Do not use if seal is already open
 * Barcode on side of jar - States that product is imported by Smucker Foods of Canada
 * Also states is a product of USA K.G.


 * A) Nutrient analysis and nutritional issues associated with Jif Creamy Peanut Butter** - <span style="font-size: 80%; color: rgb(0,0,255);">Melissa


 * Nutrient Analysis**

Jif peanut butter is an edible paste made from ground roasted peanuts. The ingredients are roasted peanuts, sugar, peanut oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, salt, cooking molasses, and mono and diglycerides.

The first, and most important, ingredient is roasted peanuts. Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), also known as groundnuts, earthnuts, goobers, or monkeynuts, are not actually nuts; they are legumes that grow in pods underground. The seeds of the peanut plant “are a rich source of edible oils and contain 40-50% fat, 20-50% protein, and 10-20% carbohydrate” (World Geography of the Peanut, 2003). The proteins, lipids, and dietary energy are concentrated in the cotyledons, which are the main storage tissues.

There are myriad nutrients found in peanuts and, thus, peanut butter. Peanuts are a good source of monosaturated fat. They contain tryptophan, “vitamin E, niacin, folacin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, riboflavin, thiamine, [and] potassium”. They are a fine source of dietary minerals including phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. The phenolic antioxidant resveratrol is present in peanuts as is phytosterols, and phytic acid (The World's Healthiest Foods, 2009). Although peanuts are 20-50% protein and contain some amino acids, such as tryptophan (The World's Healthies Foods, 2009), they are low in sulfur based amino acids (World Geography of the Peanut, 2003). An in depth nutrient analysis of raw peanuts can be found at [].

Jif Peanut Butter peanuts are dry roasted. Dry roasting peanuts slightly alters the nutritional value of peanuts but they remain very low in sodium, low in sugar, high in manganese, and high in niacin. Roasting peanuts slightly increases the dietary energy, total fat, total carbohydrates, and sugar content. Conversely, roasting peanuts reduces the amount of sodium, fibre, protein, calcium, and iron (Calorie Count, 2009).

Sugar is the second main ingredient in Jif peanut butter followed by different types of oils, salt, molasses, and emulsifiers. The addition of these ingredients to roasted peanut paste alters the nutritional value of roasted peanuts, although not greatly. (The following comparison is between 16 ounces of roasted peanuts and 16 ounces of Jif Peanut Butter.) The calories in peanut paste is only slightly higher than roasted peanuts (96 in roasted peanuts verses 100 in Jif Peanut Butter). Total Fat remains exactly the same, however, saturated fat is 0.6 grams higher in roasted peanuts (likely because other ingredients reduce the amount of actual peanuts in the peanut butter). The cholesterol remains at 0.0 grams but there is 55 miligrams of sodium in Jif Peanut Butter compared to 0.0 miligrams in the roasted peanuts (this is likely due to the addition of salt). There is 0.8 more grams of carbohydrates in Jif Peanut Butter and 0.6 less grams of fibre. Jif Peanut butter has a sugar content of 2.0 grams, while roasted peanuts has 0.0 grams of sugar. There is 0.2 grams more protein in roasted peanuts. JIF Peanut Butter has a small addition of iron, while roasted peanuts have none.

There are many health benefits associated with some of the nutrients found in peanuts. Some of the major claims are listed in this paragraph. Monosaturated fats and the antioxidant resveratol are thought to reduce cardiovascular disease. Studies have found that resveratrol improves blood flow to the brain and, therefore, may help prevent strokes (The World's Healthiest Foods, 2009). Peanut butter is thought to help prevent cancer, especially colon cancer, because of the presence of folic acid, phytosterols, phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate) and resveratrol (The World's Healthiest Foods, 2009). (It is important to note that the studies completed on resveratrol used a high concentration of the antioxidant, much higher than that found in a serving of peanuts.) The niacin in peanut butter may help prevent Alzheimer's and age related cognitive decline.


 * Nutritional Issues**

Jif Peanut Butter is a well known brand. It first went on sale in 1958 and has been the best selling peanut butter in the United States since 1981 (Jif, 2009). The long-time Jif Peanut Butter slogan the product is marketed with is “Choosy moms choose Jif” (Jif, 2009). This statement is laden with innuendoes leading the consumer to consider what a “choosy” mom might be. It may imply that moms who really care about their children choose Jif. It also could imply that choosy moms consider their food choice options and choose Jif because it is the best for their child. This slogan suggests that Jif is the best choice, it is likely the best for the children's health and their own. .

The ingredient list for Jif Peanut Butter consists of only seven items. Most of them are common words that are recognized by the average person. Hydrogenated vegetable oil is added. Further, mono and diglycerides are added as emulsifiers (to keep the ingredients from separating).

Peanuts are one of the top eight allergens in the world, is the most common food allergy in the United States, and is “the most common cause of food related death” (PeanutAllergy.com, 2009). People with a peanut allergy experience allergic reactions from consuming peanuts, breathing in residue from peanuts, or even consuming something that had been in contact with peanuts. The allergic reaction occurs when a person's “T cells overreact to the antigens and stimulate excessive production of immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulin, in turn, stimulates the production of symptom-causing chemicals, primarily histamines which cause swelling” (PeanutAllergy.com, 2009). After consumption, between seconds or a few hours, swelling, itching, and indigestion occurs. Severe allergies can lead to a fatal anaphylactic reaction. An allergic reaction ensues.

Peanuts contain oxalates, a naturally-occurring substance that when too concentrated cause health problems (The World's Healthiest Foods, 2009). As a result, people currently with or susceptible to kidney or gallbladder problems should consider avoiding eating peanut butter.

Peanuts are particularly susceptible to moulds and fungus. Fungus typically grows between 86-96°F (30-36°C) and when the humidity is high (The World's Healthiest Foods, 2009). Peanut shells are soft and permeable while the peanut is growing in the ground. The fungus Aspergillus flavus grows in the peanut when the “environment surrounding the peanut becomes warm, humid, and wet” (www.SixWise.com, 2009). This fungus releases aflatoxin which is a carcinogenic poison. Areas in the United States where peanuts are grown (where peanuts for Jif Peanut Butter are grown) are often fit the warm, humid, and wet conditions for Aspergillus flavus to grow. Roasted peanuts may provide increased protection against fungus like aflatoxin, and roasting may also improve peanuts' digestibility.

Peanuts also contain goitrogens, which can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland (The World's Healthiest Foods, 2009). As a result, people with thyroid problems may want to consider avoiding peanut butter. Cooking peanuts may ameliorate the goitrogenic compounds, however, there is uncertainty regarding exactly what percent of goitrogenic compounds is ameliorated, or the exact risk of people with thyroid problems consuming peanuts.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**B) Analysis of the manufacturer** - **<span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">Kanwaljeet **

Jif Peanut Butter plant is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Lexington‘s economy is mainly manufacturing, technology and university oriented. Jif produces more peanut butter than the rest of the world. Creamy Jif peanut butter was introduced in 1958 along with several varieties after that. There are seven different kinds of Jif Peanut Butter: Creamy, Extra Crunchy, Simply Jif (low sodium and sugar), Reduced Fat, Reduced Fat Crunchy, Peanut Butter and Honey and Natural Jif. Jif is also available in a six-pack of individual servings of Jif Peanut Butter sold under the name of “Jif to go”. Jif peanut butter is a subsidiary brand of J.M.Smucker Company, who purchased the company from Procter and Gamble in 2001.

J.M. Smucker was founded in 1897. It is a family owned public company on the New York Stock Exchange, with a global presence and family commitment. It is involved in” marketing fruit spreads, retail packaged coffee, peanut butter, shortening and oils ,ice cream toppings, sweetened condensed milk, and health and natural food beverages in North America.”. “ Its family brand names includes: Smuckers, Folgers, Jif, Crisco, Pillsbury, Eagle Brand, R.W.Knudsen, Hungry Jack, Dutch Girl, Mary Ellen, Uncrustables, Golden Temple, Red River, Adams, Laura Scudder, Goober, Santa Cruz Organic, Simly Nutritious, White Lily and Martha White in the United States, along with Robin Hood, Five Roses, Carnation, Europe’s Best and Bick’s in Canada.” The company is included in Fortune’s list of 100 best companies to work for. It is a publicly run company and has a net worth of more than 5 billion. As of April 30, 2009, it was reported that they hold 456.7 million in cash equivalents on hand. Consequently, they are able to corner most of the market with their large market capitalization. They are branded as a market leader in the states, thus the competition is low. This could be due to the fact that they also sell peanut butter under the following brands; Smucker, Adam’s, Laura Scudder. They use a great deal of advertising to capture the market. They have slogans such as”Choosy Moms Choose Jif, and “Choosy Dads choose Jif”. There are numerous websites promoting their company and recipe offers and promotions

Jif purchases the raw materials for making peanut butter from independent growers and suppliers. They have a great source of suppliers due to having many subsidiaries. Historically, the company has not experienced a shortage of key raw materials and considers its relationship good with raw material suppliers. Peanuts availability is seasonal, but has not impacted Jif significantly in sales and profits. Earlier this year there was a Salmonella scare, which slightly impacted sales. J.M Smucker Co. quickly issued a statement in the news clearing any misunderstanding that their company was not involved, as they used a different supplier. According to Forbes magazine, the recession has had a positive impact on peanut butter sales. Currently, the stock price of this company is on an upward trend. More people are choosing to eat at home and peanut butter is a good source of protein. Peanut butter sandwiches provide low cost protein and energy for children and their families, so in actual fact would help food security. Food security would be an issue in the U.S. and Canada due to people not having enough food to eat because of the recession. The food industry is subject to food spoilage, and contamination, product recall and consumer product liability claims, which could have an impact on sales. The company is committed to the consumer and are always trying to improve their product in terms of health and nutritional issues. Thus far the company seems to be doing fairly well.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">C) A Description of how Jif Creamy Peanut Butter gets from farm to table - <span style="font-size: 80%; color: rgb(0,0,255);">Emily

Peanuts: Field to Fork (or sandwich!) Four main peanut plants are grown around the world: Virginia, Runner, Spanish and Valencia. All of these plants require loose, well-drained soils and take around 12-150 days to reach maturity (Peanut Van). The plant most commonly grown in the United States where Jif peanut butter is manufactured is the Runner plant as it requires more moisture and produces a higher crop yield. The seeds are usually planted in April and May. The seed grows into a plant which produces a yellow flower. The flower wilts and bends over into the soil. The peanut is then formed in the soil. The peanuts are harvested in September and October (E-Notes). To harvest the plants, a special machine is used to dig up the plants, shake the soil off of the peanuts and then lay the plants back on the ground upside down. The harvested plants are left to dry for several days in the sun before being processed. After being dried, the peanuts are separated from the plants and the vines are left in the field, while the peanuts are taken for curing to reduce their moisture content (National Peanut Board). It is recommended to rotate where the peanut crop is grown as this maintains the yield of the crop (Peanut Van). In the United States, most peanut farms rotate their crops every three years and use cotton, corn or grass crops and are family owned (National Peanut Board).
 * At the Farm**

Before entering the warehouse, all peanuts on the peanut wagon are inspected to ensure that they are safe (National Peanut Board). The first step in the process is making sure that the peanuts are sufficiently dried. They are taken to a warehouse for mechanical drying and cleaning. All dust, sand, vines, stems, leaves and empty shells are removed from the peanuts using blowers, magnets and screens. The raw, unshelled peanuts are then stored in the warehouse until they are shipped to the processing plant. (E-Notes)
 * At the Warehouse**

The first step once the peanuts arrive at the processing plant is to remove the peanut from its shell. It is then sorted, cracked and cleaned. After this, the peanut is again sorted and graded for size, colour, defects, spots and broken skins (E-Notes). Before leaving the processing plant, the peanuts are inspected with a laser to separate any peanuts that are not fully mature (Peanut Butter Lovers).
 * At the Processing Plant**

The peanuts are first dry roasted and they need to be uniformly roasted. The most popular method of doing this is by using a continous heating method. This decreases spillage and roasts the peanuts in a more uniform manner. Once roasted, the peanuts are quickly cooled and the skins are removed using water or heat (E-Notes). Then the peanuts are sorted again and ground in two stages. First, the peanuts are ground to form a smooth butter. Then salt and an oil stabilizer are added into the grinder as are any other ingredients like sugar (Peanut Butter Lover). Once processed, the peanut butter is vacuumed packaged to reduce oxidation. (E-Notes)
 * At the Manufacturing Plant (ie. The Jif factory in Lexington, Kentucky)**

Compared to many other processed products on the market, peanut butter is probably an item that contains fewer food miles. Most of the peanuts are grown in the United States and the salt and sugar are also grown in the United States (National Peanut Board). Therefore, emissions would be emitted through the transportation of peanuts across various states and in the production process. There is, however, more concern over sugar as the United State’s government is importing more sugar, rather than supporting locally grown sugar (Sugar Alliance). This takes money out of the American economy.
 * Food Miles**

The bonus of peanut butter is that it is a vegetable based protein. In one acre of peanuts, enough peanuts are produced to make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches (National Peanut Board). Therefore, we need to decide if the food miles out weigh the land, water and carbon emissions of animal proteins (PB J campaign). Taking both perspectives into consideration, Americans are probably better off to be choosing natural peanut butter that only contains peanuts and salt as both of these are produced in the United States.

As far as Canada is concerned, the climate makes it very difficult to grow peanuts in Canada. There are some peanut farmers in southern Ontario who sell peanut butter at farmer’s markets in the area, but it is not enough to support all Canadians with their peanut butter consumption (Peanut Bureau of Canada).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">D)Identification of the methods and issues associated with each part of the chain such as those related to: **<span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">Kanwaljeet and Emily **
 * Agriculture**

There are a number of issues involved in producing peanuts. As mentioned earlier, peanuts are cultivated and can take 5 months to grow to maturity. Planting peanuts improves the soil so other types of plants can be planted on a rotating basis. At this point there could be some cross contamination from other plants. An “integrated pest management is utilized in order to control weeds, disease and insects “. Disease is caused by fungal organisms, so chemical control is required. Peanuts are inspected by inspectors at buying stations for damaged kernels, foreign materials and, kernel moisture content. This is a critical point in the food chain to check for contamination resulting from poor growth and poor storage. The mold fungus develops and releases a toxic substance called “aflatoxin.”


 * Processing**

During processing, which is the next step in the chain, the peanuts are shelled, roasted, cooled, separated, blanched, inspected, stabilized and flavored, grounded, homogenized , refrigerated (in a votator) and finally pumped into jars. At the point when the flavorings and stabilizers are added there can be some contamination. The problem can be with the additives or the length of time it takes to process the peanut butter at the stage when it goes from the votator to the jar. The hydrogenated fat which acts as stabilizer is added to prevent oil separation and is not healthy. It will raise lipid levels although the label states no trans fat. There was a data rating done at Good Guide.com on Jif peanut butter in comparison to other companies in the same industry. The ratings were done out of 10, dealing with energy management, environmental impact, toxic waste, and greenhouse emissions. The company did not score very high in most categories. The best category was toxic waste with a score of 5.8, while the rest of the scores were from point 3 upwards on the lower end of the scale. Although the recent scare on the peanut industry did not involve Jif, the company states that it includes testing for the presence of Salmonella to ensure safety of the product.


 * Distribution**

Jif is located in the state of Kentucky which is a central location in the eastern states. There are many methods of transportation; truck, rail, air and water. Kentucky has the fifth lowest overall cost of doing business compared to states east of Mississippi and states considered to be competitors. Jif Peanut Butter is distributed through a variety of channels such as grocery, retail, food service distributors and organic health food outlets. The product’s plastic packaging is not environmentally friendly which contributed to 3.6 environmental impact rating on GoodGuide.com


 * Marketing**

Jif is not too hard to market to the public. Peanuts are part of the legume family and considered healthy. Peanuts are the 12th most valuable cash crop in the United States, thus it is important for the U.S to spend or allocate large amount money for peanuts. The manufacturing, distribution, and marketing is subject to government regulations. Jif’s marketing channels include television, newspapers, internet, and written media. Jif has an appealing packaging color with a red, blue and green logo. These colors are appealing to children as a great deal of their marketing is geared to children and mothers. Sugar and hydrogenated fat are added to the peanut butter, for flavor and to produce a pleasing creamy product. Jif also offers a contest where children can win scholarships for the best created peanut butter sandwich. The contest is an incentive for many mothers wanting to educate their children in the future. Some of the winners are very young children as young as five years old. The scholarship money varies with some smaller amounts, but the top prize is $25,000 every year.


 * Labor**

According to the Good Guide.com, the rating for Jif’s working conditions is adequate. The annual wages are below the U.S. average. Smucker encourages employees to make decisions about day to day work. Employees are valued and encouraged to meet higher standards thus resulting in higher employee satisfaction.

Even though peanut butter is a healthier protein to choose than something like beef, there are some negative consequences that result from choosing to eat peanut butter, especially Jif. The positive aspects of eating peanut butter are that it is easy to produce lots of it in a small area of land. The plants produce lots of peanuts that can feed many people. Peanuts also provide a healthy fat as it is plant based.
 * Discussion of these issues:**

However, the negative consequences are evident as well. Jif is not only made of peanuts, but of other additives that are not necessarily good for our health ie. Sugar, hydrogenated fat. These products are added to improve product texture and taste. The other problem with Jif is the environmental impact of the company. Not only are peanuts transported many miles within the states, but so is the finished product. As well, the plastic packaging of the product also contributes to environmental destruction.

When choosing to eat peanut butter, it is probably better to choose a product that does not contain all of the extra additives. Choosing a peanut butter than contains only peanuts, especially organic peanuts, would be a healthier option. As well, looking for products packaged in glass and produced locally would be a more environmentally friendly choice! However, as said earlier, choosing peanut butter over meat proteins is still a better option for the environment.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">E) Any food safety issues related to the food product or the ingredients in Jif- <span style="font-size: 90%; color: rgb(0,0,255);">Karla __Issue 1: -__ ** **<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">__Salmonella Typhimurium__ ** <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">

<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that the outbreak strain of salmonella typhimurium, which has been traced to a PCA plant in Georgia The outbreak has infected 485 people in 43 states and Canada, including three cases in Kentucky, and may have contributed to six deaths. (Baniak, 2009)


 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">__Jif’s Reaction to the issue:__ **<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">(J.M. Smucker Company, 2009)

THE J. M. SMUCKER COMPANY DOES NOT PURCHASE PEANUT BUTTER, PEANUTS OR PEANUT PRODUCTS FROM PEANUT CORPORATION OF AMERICA FOR ANY PRODUCTS - ALL SMUCKER'S®, JIF®, SMUCKER'S UNCRUSTABLES®, ADAMS®, AND LAURA SCUDDER® PEANUT BUTTERS ARE SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION January 19, 2009 No products made by The J. M. Smucker Company are included in the Food and Drug Administration recall of foodservice peanut butter and peanut butter products. Our peanut butter products and brands are safe for consumption, including Smucker's®, Jif®, Smucker's Uncrustables®, Adams®, Laura Scudder's®, Eagle Brand® and Pillsbury® brands. The J. M. Smucker Company does not purchase peanuts or any ingredients from Peanut Corporation of America. We are confident that our comprehensive product safety and quality assurance policies and procedures, which include testing for the presence of Salmonella, ensure the safety of all our products, including our peanut butter and our products containing peanut butter. Consumers may contact 1-800-283-8915 with any questions regarding this issue.

//<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">What you need to know // <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">– Peanuts are a cheap source of protein which are also one of the world’s most allergenic foods. It is estimated that around 1% of the American population, or close to 3 million Americans, are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts. A peanut reaction doesn’t usually occur the first time a person eats peanuts, but after exposure to an allergin they are then sensitized. The deadly reaction to peanut butter comes from the reaction called anaphylaxis and the symptoms include; difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth and throat, a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness, sometimes to the point of a coma and death. A peanut reaction can progress extremely quickly ending in a fatality within minutes. In order to stop the peanut reaction the patient must be treated with epinephrine immediately at the first signs of a reaction. Jif's website does have a link to peanut saftey for consumers to refer to regaring algeries and safe handeling of peanut butter.
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">__Issue 2 – Peanut Allergies - (Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Society of Ontario, 2009) __ **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">

Possible symptoms of a peanut reaction may include: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Peanut butter, due to the fat content, may run a risk of going rancid. Proper storage for natural peanut butter is crucial. Natural peanut butter is suggested to be stored in the fridge and avoid light, heat and humidity (Peanut-butter.org). Jif peanut butter requires no refrigeration and can be kept up to six months after opening.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">sense of foreboding, fear, or apprehension
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">flushed face, hives, swollen or itchy lips, mouth, eyes, or tongue
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">tightness in mouth, chest or throat
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, wheezing, choking, coughing
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">running nose, voice change
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pains
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">dizziness, unsteadiness, sudden fatigue, rapid heartbeat, chills
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">pallor, loss of consciousness, coma, death
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">__Issue 3 - Storage__ **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 80%; color: rgb(0,0,255);">-<span style="font-size: 90%; color: rgb(0,0,255);"> <span style="font-size: 90%; color: rgb(0,0,255);">Karla and Melissa <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Jif Peanut butter made its world premiere during the 1904 world fair, and the name Jif was chosen because of the costumer’s ability to say, spell and remember the brand. Creamy Jif could be found on shelves in 1958, and Extra Crunchy Jif in 1974. People in America eat, on average 7 pounds per year (J.M. Smucker Company, 2009)! Today you can find Jif Peanut butter on almost any supermarket shelf.
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">__A discussion of the prevalence of Jif in the marketplace, has it changed over time?__ **

//<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">" //<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Since 1981, Jif has been the No. 1 peanut butter that choosy mothers choose for their families. The Jif logo, with its recognizable red, blue & green stripes, has come to symbolize quality and fresh-roasted peanut taste. Moms feel good serving Jif to their kids because Jif means home, family, simplicity and goodness.” (J.M. Smucker Company, 2009)
 * __Jif’s slogan is__**: //Choosey moms choose Jif// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">

Peanuts contain edible oils and contain 40-50% fat, 20-50% protein, and 10-20% carbohydrate (World Geography of the Peanut, 2003). They are energy dense and have many nutrients.
 * __What role does it play in the diet?__**

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Here are some quick facts found on Jif’s website: - People in the U.S. eat, on average, 7 pounds of peanuts and peanut products per person, per year. - 270 million pounds of Jif are consumed in the U.S. each year. That's enough to make 2 billion peanut butter sandwiches, or to spread a football field with a layer 55 feet thick! (Now, there's a thought that'll stick to the roof of your mouth!) - There are about 1,218 peanuts in a 28-ounce jar of Jif. - It takes approximately 188 billion peanuts to equal the amount of Jif peanut butter produced in one year. - Over 94,372 acres (147 square miles) of peanut crops are used to make one year's supply of Jif. - An average of pounds of 2,861 peanuts are harvested from one acre of peanut plants. - Our peanuts mostly come from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina. - About one in every ten peanuts grown in the U.S. for food use ends up in a jar of Jif. - The Jif plant in Lexington, Kentucky is the largest peanut butter producing facility in the world. (J.M. Smucker Company, 2009)

Jif Peanut Butter has been on super market shelves since 1958 (Jif, 2009). It is a convenient condiment that can be used as a part of <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It does not need to be refridgerated and it remains safe to consume for a long period after being opened. Further, it is relatively inexpensive in terms of cost at the store (usually under $5.00 for a regular sized jar) and in terms of use (a serving of peanut butter usually about one tablespoon, so one jar can last a long time).
 * __How and why do people consume it?__**

There are many ways to consume peanut butter and it offers a plethora of nutrional advantages, as perviously mentioned in this paper. Probably the most common (and famous) way to consume peanut butter is through peanut butter and jam sandwiches for lunch. Here are some examples of peanut butter being used in an everyday diet: (Peanut Advisory Board, 2009)
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Breakfast ** <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">– peanut butter on toast (with bananas), banana nut muffins, peanut butter breakfest
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Lunch ** <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">– peanut butter sandwich, southern peanut butter soup
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Snacks ** <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">- peanut butter on celery or crackers, peanut butter cookies, peanut butter pudding cake
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Dinner ** <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">– peanut butter stir-fry, peanut dressings, nutty noodles

<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">There are many different qualities of peanut butter available. Some have sugar and or salt added and others have oils and preservatives. When shopping for peanut butter keep in mind, the more processed, the lower the nutritional quality. Most Jif peanut butter is a highly processed so it is not the healthiest choice available. <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Choosing a Natural peanut butter is the best way to go! Jif is now introducing Jif Natural which contains only five ingredients : peanuts, sugar, palm oil, salt and molasses. The new Jif product is a better choice but not the healthiest. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Adams peanut butter is an example of an all natural brand which contains less than 1% or no salt, 1g of sugar making Adams peanut butter a healthier alternative to Jif. Adam's advertises that
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">__Possible alternatives to Jif__ **

<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“All of our peanut butter products contain NO added sugar, NO hydrogenated oils and 0 grams of Trans Fatty acids. Available in 8 varieties including 100% Natural, Organic, and No Stir, the all-natural taste of Adams will add a special touch to your favorite recipes. Our Natural Peanut Butter is made with 99% fresh roasted peanuts with just a dash of salt. Our Organic Peanut Butter is USDA-certified and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives” (The J.M. Smucker Company). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">

Choosing an alternative or organic peanut butter, rather than Jif, may reduce the chances of consuming aflatoxin. As previously mentioned in this paper, the fungus Aspergillus flavus grows in warm, humid, and moist climates. Choosing organic peanut butter or peanut butter grown in dryer environments such as Mexico peanut plantations may lower the risk of consuming the carcinogenic toxin.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">All [] [] [] [] [] [] [] Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Society of Ontario. (2009). //Public/Patient Information//. Retrieved 15 June, 2009, from http://www.allergyasthma.on.ca/peanut1.htm Baniak, S. (2009, January 21). //Business Lexington Latest news//. Retrieved June 15, 2009, from Smileypete: http://www.chevychaser.com/Articles-c-2009-01-21 84503.113117_Jif_plant_confirms_safety_of_peanut_products.html Calorie Count. (2009). Calories in Peanuts, All Types. Retrieved on July 3, 2009 from http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-peanuts-all-types-i16087. J.M. Smucker Company. (2009). Retrieved June 15, 2009, from Jif: http://www.jif.com/aboutjif/peanut_butter.asp Mayo Clinic Staff. (2009). Food allergies: Watch food labels for these top 8 allergens. Mayoclinic. Retrieved on June 30, 2009 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-allergies/aa00057 Peanut Advisory Board. (2009). //Peanut butter loves//. Retrieved June 17, 2009, from http://www.peanutbutterlovers.com PeanutAllergy.com. (2009). Allergic reaction. Retrieved on June 25 from http://www.peanutallergy.com/allergic-reaction.html Peanut-butter.org. (n.d.). //Selecting and Storing Peanut Butter//. Retrieved June 17, 2009, from http://peanut-butter.org/peanut-butter/Selecting+and+Storing+Peanut+Butter The J.M. Smucker Company. (n.d.). //Adams//. Retrieved June 17, 2009, from http://www.adamspeanutbutter.com/legal.aspx The World's Healthiest Foods. (2009). Peanuts. Retrieved on June 30, 2009 from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=101 [|http://www.goodguide.com/products] [|www.thinkkentucky.com/kyodc/pdfs/foodkindredproducts.pds] [|www.peanutsusa.com/USA/index] [|www.smucker.com/family] http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Jif_(peanut _butter) http://newprnewswire.com http://sec.edgar-onlineccom/smucker finapps.forbes.com/finapps/jsp/finance World Geography of the Peanut. (2003). Knowledge Base. Retrieved on June 20, 2009 from http://www.lanra.uga.edu/peanut/knowledgebase/ www.SixWise.com. (2009). Six Foods that are surprisingly high in toxins. Retrieved on July 3, 2009 from http://www.sixwise.com/Newsletters/2008/July/24/Six-Foods-that-are-Surprisingly-High-in-Toxins.htm

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