January 29, 2009
Weekly News UpdateSalmonella Outbreak Linked to Peanut Processing Plant
As of January 29, 2009, there have been more than 500 people infected and 8 possible deaths from Salmonella poisoning. The outbreak began in August 2008 and reached its peak in December. Since then, the number of reported cases has declined.
The pathogen responsible for this outbreak is a bacteria called Salmonella enterica of the type Typhimurium. Eating food contaminated with Salmonella results in an illness called salmonellosis. Symptoms of salmonellosis include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Symptoms begin 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food and last 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. Sometimes, however, the diarrhea can be so severe that a person needs to be hospitalized for dehydration. In some cases the infection can spread to the bloodstream and can be deadly unless treated with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop serious complications from salmonellosis.
Although the investigation is ongoing, current results indicate that peanut butter is the source of the bacteria that are causing the infections. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture Laboratory found the Salmonella Typhimurium strain in an open container of King Nut brand creamy peanut butter. Later, the Georgia Department of Agriculture found the same strain in an unopened container of King Nut brand peanut butter. This indicates that the bacteria was present in the peanut butter before packaging and did not contaminate the peanut butter after the product was opened. The process used to roast peanuts usually kills bacteria. Officials suspect that the bacteria contaminated the peanuts after the roasting process. They are investigating how the contamination may have happened. Fifteen clusters of infections in five states have been reported in schools and institutions that use King Nut brand peanut butter.
Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) produces King Nut brand peanut butter at a plant in Blakely, Georgia. PCA has recalled all products that contain peanuts processed at this plant since January 1, 2007. More than 180 peanut-containing products—from peanut butter crackers to dog biscuits—have been recalled. Today, the recall was expanded to include all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), granulated peanuts, peanut meal, peanut butter, and peanut paste processed by the Blakely plant. The list of recalled products can be found on the FDA website (see the link listed below). Currently none of the major brands of peanut butter packaged in jars and sold in stores (including JIF™, Skippy™, Smucker's™, and Peter Pan™ brands) have been affected.
To avoid Salmonella poisoning, do not eat products that have been recalled. Do not feed recalled products to your pets. If you have other peanut butter products that are not on the recall list, wait to eat them until more information is available about all of the brands that have been affected. If you think that you or your pet may have become ill from eating contaminated peanut butter products, consult a health care provider.