The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) warns consumers that Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter Made With Sea Salt may be related to a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infection. HEALTH is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health officials in several states to investigate a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infection. Nationally, there have been 29 cases of illness, with one illness reported in Rhode Island.
Testing of peanut butter samples is underway at several state public health laboratories. Although there are currently no positive product samples, Trader Joe's has voluntarily removed this product for sale from its stores. Consumers should be aware that this product is also available online via various shopping websites.
HEALTH is currently advising Rhode Islanders that Trader Joe's brand Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter Made with Sea Salt 16 oz. containers with "Use by" dates of 5/23/2013 and 6/28/2013 may be related to the outbreak. This includes peanut butter from stores or online.
In addition, HEALTH advises anyone who recently consumed Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter Made with Sea Salt and then became ill with diarrhea or vomiting to consult their healthcare provider.
HEALTH will provide more information about the investigation as it becomes available.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection included diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 6 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 2 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient requires hospitalization. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection.
For more information about Salmonella, visit HEALTH's website at: www.health.ri.gov/diseases/salmonellosis/