Girl Scout® cookies not affected by peanut butter warning

ST. LOUIS – The peanut butter used in cookies sold by members of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) is not sourced from the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) – the supplier involved in the FDA’s investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter.  
Little Brownie Bakers (LBB) supplies GSEM, while other GS councils, including some which surround GSEM geographically, are served by ABC Interbake. Neither of these two licensed bakers affiliated with Girl Scout® Cookies source their peanut butter from PCA. LBB’s peanut butter supplier, Algood Food Company, located in Louisville, Ky., has stated that no product produced by them is the subject of the FDA investigation. 
Food safety and quality are of the utmost importance to Girl Scouts. Cookie orders are currently being taken by GSEM, however, the cookies to fulfill those orders have not yet been made by LBB. Donald W. Davis, Jr., President of LBB, says that they will continue to work closely with all of their ingredient suppliers to ensure they continue to exceed food industry operating standards as part of LBB’s goal to bake safe, high quality, great tasting Girl Scout Cookies.
GSEM’s 2009 cookie sale runs through Sunday, Feb. 1. If you miss ordering or want more cookies, booth cookie sales run Feb. 25 to March 15.
The Girl Scout® Cookie Program is the nation’s premier entrepreneurship and educational program for girls, teaching them financial responsibility, business proficiency and lifetime skills. Marcia Barber, GSEM’s chief executive officer, said that the cookie program is an annual opportunity for girls to gain valuable skills, including money management, decision making and goal setting. 
“It’s an integral part of the Girl Scout leadership experience, thus, community support of the annual cookie program is deeply appreciated,” she said.
All proceeds from the Girl Scout Cookie Program stay within the local council to benefit area girls. Troops retain a percentage of the price of each package to fund activities such as field trips and community service projects planned by the girls throughout the year. Proceeds also help the council deliver programs for girls, provide training and materials for adult volunteers, and maintain local Girl Scout camps
For more information on Girl Scouts and the 2009 cookie sale, visit www.girlscoutsem.org <http://www.girlscoutsem.org/> .