The popular grocery store chain, Trader Joe's has recalled one of it's peanut butter varieties after being linked to 29 salmonella illnesses in 18 different states.
The store's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, is likely the contaminated peanut butter said the FDA on Saturday. They are also currently investigating whether any other items sold at the store could be a source for contamination.
Trader Joe's has agreed to take the product off of store shelves and has called in a recall of the item, asking customers not to eat the product and that they can return it at any Trader Joe's store. The FDA's website stated, "Customers who have purchased this item are urged to not eat the product, and to dispose of it or return it to any Trader Joe's for a full refund. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems."
They have also taken off two other peanut butter brands from its shelf including Trader Joe's Valencia Peanut Butter with Roasted Flaxseeds, Crunchy and Salted and Trader Joe's Almond Butter with Roasted Flaxseeds, Crunchy and Salted.
More than three-fourths of those who got sick were children under 18 and fortunately, no deaths have been reported. The CDC reported that people have become sick between June 11 and September 2.
Several states have issued health warnings including Massachusetts, Rhode Island and North Carolina.
Salmonella is a type of food poisoning caused by the Salmonella bacterium.
According to the FDA, individuals who are infected with Salmonella may experience diarrhea, fever, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. In rare cases it can cause more severe and fatal illnesses including arterial infections, arthritis and endocarditis.
Symptoms normally develop with 12 to 72 hours. It is important to go to the doctor if you suspect you may have salmonella poisoning.
