FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney Infections Possibly Linked to Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter

Posted October 3, 2012

UPDATE: List of Recalled Products

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UPDATE: October 3, 2012

There have been a number of recalls related to the expanded Sunland Inc. recall of products which include peanut butter and other products made with nuts and seeds. Among those companies initiating related recalls are Chattanooga Bakery Inc.¹, Fairytale Brownies², Falcon Trading Company/SunRidge Farms³, Giant Food,⁴

⁵ Gretchen Shoebox Express⁶, Harry and David⁷, Jer's Chocolates⁸, Justin's⁹, Late July Snacks¹⁰, Newman's Own Organics¹¹, Oregon Ice Cream Company¹², Stop & Shop Supermarket Company¹³, Whole Foods Market, and Xan Confections¹⁴.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infections. We are moving quickly to learn as much as possible and prevent additional people from becoming ill. We recognize that people will be concerned about this outbreak, and we will continue to provide updates and advice.

What is the Problem and What is Being Done?

The FDA’s top priority is protecting consumers and ensuring the safety of our food supply. The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infections possibly linked to Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter, with a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) identifier of 97111. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 30 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bredeney from 19 states.

Once FDA became involved in this fast-moving outbreak investigation, we began coordinating and working closely with the CDC and several state health departments, which have been leading their own investigations. On September 20, FDA, the CDC and the state of California briefed Trader Joe’s on the status of the investigation, and the company volunteered to remove the suspected product from their store shelves. Trader Joe’s has also posted a customer advisory on their internet page and initiated a recall¹⁵.

As part of its investigation, FDA contacted Sunland Inc., which makes Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter. On September 23, FDA and CDC briefed Sunland Inc. on the status of the investigation and the company volunteered to recall the almond butter and peanut butter products that were manufactured on the same product line as Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter between May 1 and September 24, 2012.

On the evening of September 24, Sunland Inc. expanded their recall to about 100 products, which include peanut butter and other products made with nuts and seeds. A list of those products can be found in the company's recall announcement¹⁶.

As the investigation progresses we will keep the public informed.

What Do Consumers Need To Do?

Consumers should not eat the recalled products. This is especially important for children under the age of 5 years, elderly adults, and people with weak immune systems. Consumers should dispose of the product or return the product to the store where they purchased it.