The Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Massachusetts Department of Health, and the New York City Health Department, among others, are warning consumers to discard Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt. The product may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. There is a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to the product since June 11, 2012. Some of the use by dates mentioned in the press releases include dates between 5/23/2013 and 6/28/2013.
Attorney Fred Pritzker represented victims of a past Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter. “Health officials need to act quickly to prevent further illness,” said Pritzker, who represents Salmonella food poisoning victims nationwide and recently won $4.5 million for a food poisoning victim. “For children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, Salmonella can be fatal.”
So far there are 29 illnesses in 18 states. There is at least one case in New York City, one case in Rhode Island, three cases in Massachusetts, and at least two cases in Pennsylvania. Public health departments are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA to investigate this outbreak. If you have consumed this product and are experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning, including diarrhea, fever, nausea, and abdominal cramps, see your healthcare provider immediately.
The symptoms of salmonellosis usually begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Most people will recover, but some, especially those in high risk groups, may suffer serious complications. Long term consequences of this infection can be severe, including Reiter’s syndrome, or reactive arthritis, and heart disease.
Image courtesy of the New York State Department of Health
