Trader Joe’s Recalls Peanut Butter Over Salmonella Fears

Trader Joe's issued a peanut butter recall after the product was linked to 29 cases of Salmonella-related illness in 18 states.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the grocery store's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter is likely the source of the outbreak, reports The Associated Press.

The FDA and CDC are still investigating whether any other items sold at Trader Joe's could also be contaminated.

Individuals reportedly became sick by eating the tainted peanut butter between June 11 and Sept. 2, reports the AP. Most of the victims are children under the age of 18.

Salmonella infections are usually most dangerous for children and the elderly. The bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, but so far no deaths have been reported. Investigators did not reveal where the illnesses occurred. However, several states warned consumers not to the eat the peanut butter, which may provide some clues. The states that issued the warnings include Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and North Carolina, reports the AP.

Last week, the FDA, CDC, and the state of California briefed Trader Joe's on the investigation showing an alleged link between the peanut butter and Salmonella. The California-based chain then agreed to remove the product from store shelves nationwide.

Customers who bought the peanut butter are urged not to eat it and to return it to Trader Joe's for a refund. The recalled peanut butter came in a 16-ounce plastic jar and has the product code 97111.

If you have been injured by the tainted product, you may want to talk to a product liability attorney to learn your rights to recover any damages. Food manufacturers are generally responsible for providing a safe product. If it is discovered that Trader Joe's was culpable for the suspected Salmonella outbreak, you could potentially sue them for your injuries.

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