Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter is a “likely source” of 29 cases of Salmonella Bredeney infections in 18 states, according to CDC. Four people have been hospitalized.
The earliest reported onset date was June 11, 2012; the most recent illness emerged on September 2nd. Most of the illnesses developed during July and August.
Illnesses that occurred after August 29, 2012 might not have been reported yet, due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the cause of the illness is confirmed and reported. Three-fourths (76%) of the confirmed outbreak victims are children under 18 years of age; nearly two-thirds are male.
CDC has not released a list of affected states; however, some of the states have issued their own Alerts. These include:
- Maryland (1 case) – A child under 18 years old, who was not hospitalized and who has recovered.
- Massachusetts (3 cases)
- Minnesota (1)
- New York (1 case) – One illness in New York City
- North Carolina (1 case) – A child
- Pennsylvania (2 cases)
- Rhode Island (1 case)
The link between this outbreak and the peanut butter is based on patient interviews. Fourteen out of fourteen outbreak victims who were interviewed reported shopping at Trader Joe’s across the USA; twelve of the 14 (86%) reported eating Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt in the week before becoming ill.
Although the outbreak strain has not yet been found in a sample of the implicated peanut butter, Trader Joe’s has removed all Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt (16-oz plastic jars; SKU #97111) from sale in its stores, and has recalled all code dates of the peanut butter. The product was sold in Trader Joe’s stores nationwide and over the internet.
CDC has issued the following Advice to Consumers, Retailers and Others:
Contaminated Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter may make people sick.
- Based on available information, CDC recommends that consumers do not eat recalled Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt and dispose of any remaining jars of this peanut butter product in the home or return the jars to any Trader Joe’s grocery store.
- This is especially important for children under the age of 5 years, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.
- Persons who think they might have become ill from eating possibly contaminated Trader Joe’s peanut butter should consult their health care providers.
- Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.
- The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment.
- See Signs and Symptoms for more information.
- Symptoms include:
Contaminated Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter may still be in consumers’ homes or available for sale on the internet.
- Consumers who recently purchased recalled Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt are advised not to eat it and dispose of any remaining jars of this peanut butter or return the jars to the any Trader Joe’s grocery store.
- Trader Joe’s has encouraged consumers to return the product to any Trader Joe’s grocery store for a full refund.
- Retailers and food service operators should not sell or serve recalled Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt.
- This product may still be available for sale from internet retailers.
What to do if you have Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter in your home:
- Dispose of the product immediately or return it to any Trader Joe’s grocery store.
- Even if some of the peanut butter has been eaten without anyone becoming ill, the rest of the peanut butter should be disposed of or returned.
- If consumers choose to discard Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt, the product should be disposed of in a closed plastic bag and placed in a sealed trash can. This will prevent people or animals from eating it.
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a 
eFoodAlert 