(Washington, DC) – The DC Department of Health (DOH) is currently advising consumers not to consume or purchase Trader Joe’s brand Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt because of a potential link to a Salmonella outbreak. Other Trader Joe’s brand peanut butter products may also be affected. 

“DOH is working with other state health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infection, said Dr. Saul Levin, Interim Director DOH.  District residents should not consume any Trader Joe’s brand Valencia creamy salted peanut butter products until the investigation is completed.”

Consumers should also be aware that these peanut butter products may also be available in stores and online via various shopping websites. DOH will continue to provide update to the public on the progress of this investigation as information becomes available. At this time, no residents of the District of Columbia have had been associated with this outbreak

Symptoms of Salmonella infection included diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps starting 6 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 2 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient requires hospitalization. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection. Anyone with these symptoms should consult their health care provider immediately.

Additional information about salmonellosis can be found:
 www.cdc.gov

For the latest information on specific recalled products visit:
www.sundlandinc.com
www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm320413.htm.

For updates on the investigation visit:
 http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/bredeney-09-12/index.html