Peanut Butter and Almond Butter Possible Cause of Salmonella Outbreak in US: FDA

Grocery store chain Trader Joe's is recalling jars of a specific variety of its store-brand peanut butter due to a salmonella outbreak in 18 states of the U.S. The outbreak has also prompted the voluntary recall of dozens of peanut butter and almond butter products made by Mexico-based Sunland Inc.

 

Peanut Butter and Almond Butter Possible Cause of Salmonella Outbreak in America

 

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. It is most dangerous to children, the elderly and others with weak immune systems.

According to a press release by Trader Joe's: "We have no confirmed information that suggests this peanut butter is unsafe to eat, but there is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers and crew, and the quality of our products."

While Sunland said in a statement, "There is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers, particularly the many families who enjoy our peanut butter everyday. While FDA (Food and Drug Administration), CDC, and State Health Agencies investigate to confirm the cause of illnesses reported, as a precautionary step, we have decided to voluntarily recall our Almond Butter and Peanut Butter products."

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); at least 29 cases of salmonella infection have been registered in about 18 states, including Washington, California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland. The sickness was occurred between June 11 and Sept. 2.

The CDC, working together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), found that the Trader Joe's peanut butter and Sunland's almond butter were the likely cause of the salmonella outbreak, though the link has not been confirmed.

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Salmonella, Salmonella outbreak, Trader Joe's, Sunland, Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, FDA, Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Food and Drug Administration