Federal health officials Saturday warned consumers not to eat a brand of Trader Joe's peanut butter after a suspected outbreak of Salmonella infections caused at least 29 illnesses in 18 states.
As part of a nationwide recall, Trader Joe’s has taken its Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt off store shelves and halted Internet sales of the product, which carries the SKU number 97111.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which joined the Federal Drug Administration in alerting consumers, said it is especially important for children under the age of 5 years old, elderly adults and people with weak immune systems not to eat the recalled peanut butter.
The agencies described a “fast-moving outbreak” of a strain called Salmonella Bredeney. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven, and most people recover without treatment.
Although there have been no deaths, the CDC said four people have been hospitalized. The agency said 65 percent of those stricken by the infection have been under 18 years old. The CDC did not say whether any of the illnesses were in Georgia.
Consumers should dispose of any remaining jars of peanut butter or return it to any Trader Joe’s grocery store for a full refund, the retailer said.
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