Archive for the ‘Salmonella Outbreak’ Category

The public should be aware of the current outbreak of salmonella that has been ongoing in the United States and Canada.

As of 9PM EDT, Monday, January 19, 2009, 485 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 43 states and Canada. Of the cases reported to date it can be deduced that the outbreak has spanned from between September 8, 2008 and January 9, 2009.

Preliminary analysis of the first national case-control study conducted by CDC and public health officials in multiple states on January 3 and 4, 2009, comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons indicates that peanut butter is a likely source of the bacteria causing the infections.

An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health suggested King Nut brand creamy peanut butter as a likely source of Salmonella infections among many ill persons in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture Laboratory isolated the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium from an open 5-pound container of King Nut brand creamy peanut butter. King Nut creamy peanut butter is distributed in many states to establishments such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools, universities, restaurants, delis, cafeterias, and bakeries. It is not sold directly to consumers and is not known to be distributed for retail sale in grocery stores.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health Laboratory and the Georgia Department of Agriculture independently isolated Salmonella from unopened 5-pound containers of King Nut brand peanut butter. Officials in Connecticut have identified this Salmonella as the outbreak strain. Further tests are pending in Georgia to determine if this Salmonella is the outbreak strain.

The CDC and FDA recommendations include:

• Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them. These products include Austin and Keebler brand peanut butter crackers and King Nut brand peanut butter produced since July 1, 2008. (FDA’s web site has recalled lot numbers). 
• Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until more information becomes available about which brands may be affected.
• Use FDA’s online database to check if foods you’re concerned about are on the recall list.
• Call the consumer hotline phone number that may be on any product packaging you have to get information directly from the product manufacturer.
• Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers.