The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have investigated outbreaks of Salmonella typhimurium from peanut butter. The CDC gathers information on foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. In the case of an outbreak, the FDA, which regulates food safety, places a recall on the specified food item, such as a brand of peanut butter. It is possible that the source of contamination of the peanut butter comes from the environment. Because the containers may be the source of contamination in certain outbreaks, the FDA and states have started testing these containers for Salmonella typhimurium contamination.
Symptoms
You may experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours after consuming the peanuts or peanut products infected by salmonella. These flu-like symptoms typically last from four to seven days. Your physician can determine if you have been infected with this foodborne illness by taking a stool sample.
Treatment
The foodborne illness from Salmonella typhimurium contamination generally is resolved without the need for treatment except for infants, elderly or individuals with compromised immune systems. These populations are at risk for developing a more serious infection from salmonella.
Considerations
Remember that all items containing the peanuts may cause this foodborne illness. For example, eating a cracker containing the peanuts may result in illness. If you suspect that you have developed a foodborne illness from salmonella, remove all peanuts and food items with peanuts from your home and throw them away to prevent others from getting ill.
Resources
To find out data about peanut salmonella outbreaks and what food items have been recalled, like specific peanut butter brands and other brands containing the contaminated peanuts or peanut butter, check the CDC website and the searchable database of recalled products on the FDA site. After the 2009 peanut butter recall, the FDA listed all peanut butter items, peanut food items and peanut pastes that were contaminated by salmonella. It notes what companies made the peanut product, where it was sold, the recalling firm and the packaging size.
Recalled Items
In 2009, multiple food items containing contaminated peanuts were recalled. A few examples are Bear Naked's all natural peanut butter granola with heavenly chocolate; Glory Bee Foods self-grind peanut butter and packaged peanut butter; and all peanut butter manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America. Check the FDA site for a more comprehensive list of recalled peanut butter.
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