Are you eyeing that recently purchased jar of peanut butter a little suspiciously, wondering whether or not it's safe to eat? You might want to do some computer research before you break the container's seal. The Food and Drug Administration has launched a new website that compiles food recall notices and allows consumers to search by product brand name and product description, as well as the reason for the recall and the firm doing the recalling.

The recently launched site also includes images of each product label, as well as links to press releases on each recall (usually containing additional information), and it allows consumers to sign up to receive recall and safety alert notifications.

The FDA's site redesign was mandated by a food safety law signed by President Obama in January, which gives the agency the authority to order food recalls rather than depending on industry cooperation.