Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Recall Expanded After Salmonella Outbreak
DETROIT (WWJ) - A recall of peanut butter sold at Trader Joe's has been expanded to include 76 different products because of a Salmonella outbreak in 18 states.
Sunland Inc., which makes Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter, has now expanded the recall to include its Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, Tahini and Roasted Blanched Peanut products. The recalled products were sold between May 1, and Sept. 24, 2012 at Trader Joe's stores nationwide and online.
The company said the products may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
The recall was issued after learning that 29 people reported Salmonella matching illnesses in approximately 18 states between June 11 and Sept. 2, 2012, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State health officials say a child in southeast Michigan is among those sickened by the outbreak. The Michigan departments of Community Health and Agriculture and Rural Development said Tuesday they're working with other agencies on an investigation.
Click here to see a list of all 76 recalled products (.pdf format)
This recalled products have "Best-If-Used-By Dates" between May 1, 2013 and September 24, 2013, which can be found on the side of the jar's label below the lid.
Consumers who have purchased the affected Sunland's Almond Butter, Peanut Butter, Cashew Butter, Tahini and Roasted Blanched peanut products are urged to discard the product immediately or return it to any Trader Joe's for a full refund. Consumers can contact the company at 1-866-837-1018 for more information on the recall.
Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Consumers who show any signs of illness from salmonellosis should consult their health care provider.
