Food
FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney Infections Possibly Linked to Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter
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UPDATE: September 27, 2012 As of September 26, there have been a number of recalls related to the expanded Sunland Inc. recall of products which include peanut butter and other products made with nuts and seeds. Among those companies initiating related recalls are Chattanooga Bakery Inc., Falcon Trading Company/SunRidge Farms, Gretchen Shoebox Express, and Whole Foods Market. |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infections. We are moving quickly to learn as much as possible and prevent additional people from becoming ill. We recognize that people will be concerned about this outbreak, and we will continue to provide updates and advice. What is the Problem and What is Being Done? The FDA’s top priority is protecting consumers and ensuring the safety of our food supply. The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infections possibly linked to Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter, with a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) identifier of 97111. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 30 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bredeney from 19 states. Once FDA became involved in this fast-moving outbreak investigation, we began coordinating and working closely with the CDC and several state health departments, which have been leading their own investigations. On September 20, FDA, the CDC and the state of California briefed Trader Joe’s on the status of the investigation, and the company volunteered to remove the suspected product from their store shelves. Trader Joe’s has also posted a customer advisory on their internet page and initiated a recall. As part of its investigation, FDA contacted Sunland Inc., which makes Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter. On September 23, FDA and CDC briefed Sunland Inc. on the status of the investigation and the company volunteered to recall the almond butter and peanut butter products that were manufactured on the same product line as Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter between May 1 and September 24, 2012. On the evening of September 24, Sunland Inc. expanded their recall to about 100 products, which include peanut butter and other products made with nuts and seeds. A list of those products can be found in the company's recall announcement. As the investigation progresses we will keep the public informed. Consumers should not eat the recalled products. This is especially important for children under the age of 5 years, elderly adults, and people with weak immune systems. Consumers should dispose of the product or return the product to the store where they purchased it. |
Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter is sold at Trader Joe's grocery stores nationwide and on the internet. Sunland Inc. products are distributed nationally via supermarket chains.
As a convenience, FDA has provided a list of products recalled by Sunland Inc., as found on the company’s press releases. The recall is limited to the products listed below that have “Best-If-Used-By” dates between May 1, 2013 and September 24, 2013. The “Best-If-Used-By” dates are stamped on the side of the jar’s label below the lid. Sunland Inc. has advised consumers to return the product to the supermarket of purchase or to dispose of it.
Please see the company's recall announcement for the most updated list of recalled products.
The following companies have informed FDA and the public of related recalls:
- Chattanooga Bakery Inc. - Peanut Butter Crunch products
- Falcon Trading Company/SunRidge Farms - Sunridge Candy Energy Nuggets; Sunridge Candy Peanut Butter Power Chews; and Sunridge Snack Mix Treasure Trove Mix
- Gretchen Shoebox Express - Evolution Fresh Brand Cinnamon Apple & Almond Butter Sandwiches and Evolution Fresh Brand Almond Butter
- Whole Foods Market - Several varieties of cookies containing peanut butter
What are the Symptoms of Salmonellosis?
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
However, in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis. The rate of diagnosed infections in children less than five years old is higher than the rate in all other persons. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are the most likely to have severe infections. It is estimated that approximately 400 persons die each year with acute salmonellosis.
Consumers who show any signs of illness from salmonellosis should consult their health care provider. The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD or consult the fda.gov website.
September 20, 2012
FDA, the CDC and the state of California briefed Trader Joe’s on the status of the investigation, and the company volunteered to remove the suspected product from their store shelves. Trader Joe’s has also posted a customer advisory on their internet page and initiated a recall.
September 24, 2012
As part of its investigation, FDA contacted Sunland Inc., which makes Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter. On September 23, FDA and CDC briefed Sunland Inc. on the status of the investigation and the company volunteered to recall the almond butter and peanut butter products that were manufactured on the same product line as Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter between May 1 and September 24, 2012.
September 25, 2012
The product information on this web page is from company recall announcements. The recall information has not been verified by the FDA, and the FDA is not responsible for its contents. The information in this release reflects the FDA’s best efforts to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and the state and local public health agencies involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available.
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