N.C. Health Department: Trader Joe’s peanut butter may be linked to national Salmonella infections

Press release

From N.C. DHHS:

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) is warning North Carolina consumers not to eat or purchase Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter because of a possible link to a national outbreak of Salmonella infections. A North Carolina child is among at least 29 cases of illness across the country believed to be connected to the product. Health officials say many of the cases have been reported in children.

Trader Joe’s has issued a voluntary recall of the product; however, no specific information is available on product lot numbers.

“The investigation into the exact source of the infection is ongoing, so until there are more details, we recommend that anyone who has any of this particular product at home discard it immediately,” said Dr. Megan Davies, state epidemiologist. “If you are experiencing symptoms of stomach illness, contact your health care provider.”

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized to prevent severe and sometimes fatal complications. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized to prevent severe and sometimes fatal complications. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

For more information on salmonella, visit http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/diseases/salmonellosis.html

Details on the CDC investigation are available at http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/bredeney-09-12/index.html

SHARE

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.