Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Trader Joe's Peanut Butter

According to a press release, the Pennsylvania Department of Health today advised consumers that Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt may be related to a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella.  The department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials in several states to investigate the outbreak. Nationally, there have been 29 cases of illness with two cases reported in Pennsylvania.

Trader Joe's has voluntarily removed the product for sale from its stores; however, consumers who have the product in their homes should discard it and should also be aware that this product is sold online through other retail outlets.

Officials believe the peanut butter may be related to a recent salmonella outbreak. A total of 29 cases have been reported since June 11. Three of those cases occurred in Massachusetts.

Several health agencies including the Center for Disease Control and the FDA are investigating the outbreak.

Additionally, the department advises anyone who recently consumed Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt and then became ill to consult their healthcare provider, local health department.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Symptoms of Salmonella infection, including diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps typically appear 6-72 hours after the ingestion of Salmonella bacteria—in this case, Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter.  Most people recover within a week, but some Salmonella outbreak victims require medical treatment or hospitalization.