Health experts are warning consumers about Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter citing a possibility of salmonella contamination.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert, Sept. 22, after receiving 29 cases of Salmonella Bredeney infections in 18 states.
According to CDC, young children below five years, elderly people and those with weak immune systems should fully avoid eating Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter to avoid the health risks.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we have removed all Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter (sku 97111) from sale, due to pending health-related inquiries," a statement appeared in Trader Joe's site. "We have no confirmed information that suggests this peanut butter is unsafe to eat, but there is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers and crew, and the quality of our products."
The authorities urged consumers to approach the company store to receive a full refund. Consumers can clear their doubts about food safety by dialing 1-888-SAFEFOOD.
Salmonellosis is an infection caused by bacteria called Salmonella. The bacteria, commonly found in food products like raw poultry, eggs and beef are named after an American scientist who discovered the bug. According to an estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 42,000 salmonellosis cases are reported across the United States and about 400 persons die each year due to the infection. Some of the most common strains found in the country are S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis.
Salmonella infection leads to diarrhea, fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The symptoms are followed by nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Children, especially infants are more vulnerable to develop the infection than others.
Following are some methods recommended by CDC to prevent Salmonella infection:
* Eat only thoroughly cooked meat products like ground beef, poultry and eggs
* Fully avoid raw eggs and unpasteurized milk
* Clean kitchen surfaces, utensils and hands with soap after using raw meat or poultry
* Avoid direct or indirect contact with reptiles (turtles, iguanas, lizards, snakes) infants or immune -compromised persons
* Never handle an infant and raw meat simultaneously
* Breastfeeding helps to prevent salmonellosis
