2007 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peanut Butter

Posted March 7, 2007

Outbreak Summary

Public health officials in multiple states, with the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are investigating a large multistate outbreak of Salmonella serotype Tennessee infections. An epidemiologic study comparing foods that ill and well persons said they ate showed that consumption of Peter Pan peanut butter and Great Value peanut butter were both statistically associated with illness and therefore the likely source of the outbreak. Product testing has confirmed the presence of the outbreak strain of Salmonella Tennessee in opened jars of peanut butter obtained from ill persons.

FDA has advised consumers not to eat any Peter Pan peanut butter and not to eat Great Value peanut butter with a product code beginning with 2111. Peter Pan peanut butter is made in a single facility in Georgia. Great Value peanut butter with a product code beginning with 2111 is made in the same facility as Peter Pan peanut butter; Great Value peanut butter made by other manufacturers is not affected.
As of March 7th at 12 PM EST, 425 persons infected with the outbreak strain of SalmonellaTennessee have been reported to CDC from 44 states. Among 351 patients for whom clinical information is available, 71 (20%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been attributed to this infection. Onset dates, which are known for 301 patients, ranged from August 1, 2006 to February 16, 2007, and 67% of these illnesses began after December 1, 2006.

PulseNet (the national subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance coordinated by CDC) detected a slowly rising increase in cases of Salmonella Tennessee this fall. OutbreakNet (the national network of public health officials coordinated by CDC that investigates enteric disease outbreaks) then worked for several weeks to identify this unusual food vehicle.

Public health officials from several states have isolated Salmonella from open jars of peanut butter of both Peter Pan and Great Value brand. For fifteen jars, the serotype has been confirmed as Tennessee and DNA fingerprinting has shown that the pattern is the outbreak strain.

FDA officials and the peanut butter manufacturer are working collaboratively to learn more about production of peanut butter to determine how it may have become contaminated.

Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care provider. Persons who have Peter Pan peanut butter or Great Value peanut butter with a product code beginning with 2111 should discard the jar. Local health departments no longer need to collect jars for testing.

Most persons infected with Salmonella develop 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. However, in some persons the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

The states that have reported cases are Alaska (1 case), Alabama (10), Arkansas (3), Arizona (5), California (5), Colorado (13), Connecticut (3), Delaware (1), Florida (7), Georgia (21), Iowa (8), Illinois (11), Indiana (16), Kansas (10), Kentucky (11), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (10), Maryland (2), Maine (1), Michigan (9), Minnesota (7), Missouri (20), Mississippi (6), Montana (2), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey (6), New Mexico (1), New York (48), North Carolina (25), North Dakota (1), Ohio (13), Oklahoma (12), Oregon (2), Pennsylvania (30), South Carolina (10), South Dakota (6), Tennessee (19), Texas (16), Virginia (27), Vermont (7), Washington (4), Wisconsin (7), and West Virginia (5).

Final Case Count Map

Persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Tennessee, by state of residence, as of March 7, 2007 (n=425)

States in Blue With Reported Cases

Questions and Answers Related to this Outbreak

What types of peanut butter are affected?

All jars of Peter Pan peanut butter purchased since May 2006 and Great Value peanut butter with a product code beginning with 2111 purchased since May 2006 may be affected.

I have a jar of Peter Pan peanut butter purchased since May 2006 or a jar of Great Value peanut butter with a product code beginning with the number “2111” stamped on the lid that has been purchased since May 2006, and I/my children ate some of it, but no one is sick. What should I do?

Do not eat any more of the peanut butter. Throw away the jar. If anyone in your family develops severe diarrheal illness with bloody diarrhea, fever, or symptoms lasting more than three days, they should consult a healthcare provider.

I/my household member ate Peter Pan peanut butter purchased since May 2006 or a jar of Great Value peanut butter that has been purchased since May 2006 peanut butter with a product code beginning with the number “2111” stamped on the lid that has been purchased since May 2006 and I/my household member is ill with diarrhea. I still have the jar. What should I do?

Do not eat any more of the peanut butter. Throw away the jar.  If the diarrheal illness is severe with bloody diarrhea, fever, or symptoms lasting more than three days, you should consult a healthcare provider.

I/my household member ate Peter Pan peanut butter purchased since May 2006 or a jar of Great Value peanut butter with a product code beginning with the number “2111” stamped on the lid that has been purchased since May 2006 and I/my household member is ill with diarrhea. I no longer have the container of peanut butter. What should I do?

If the diarrheal illness is severe with bloody diarrhea, fever, or symptoms lasting more than three days, you should consult a healthcare provider.

I/my household member ate peanut butter that is not the Peter Pan or Great Value brand, and I/my household member is ill with diarrhea. I still have the jar. What should I do?

There’s no evidence that this illness has been caused by the peanut butter you are describing. If the illness is severe with bloody diarrhea, fever, or symptoms lasting more than three days, you should consult a healthcare provider.

I have a jar of peanut butter that is not the Peter Pan or Great Value brand and I/my children ate some of it, but no one is sick. What should I do?

There is no need to do anything differently. You may consume the peanut butter with confidence.

Questions and Answers Related to this Outbreak and Pets

How do I know if my dog or cat has Salmonella related to this outbreak?

If you have fed your dog or cat Peter Pan/Great Value peanut butter with the product code “2111” stamped on the lid, please look for the following signs. Dogs and cats that become ill from Salmonella generally will have diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus and fever. Affected animals may seem more tired than usual, and may have vomiting. Some cats do not have diarrhea, but will have a decreased appetite, fever, and excess salivation.

If your dog or cat has these signs, please contact your veterinarian. Do not feed anymore of the above mentioned peanut butter to your pet. Throw away the peanut butter.

How are Salmonella infections diagnosed and treated in dogs and cats?

A stool sample can be tested to diagnose Salmonellosis along with oral cavity swabs and identification of the organism in blood. Salmonella infections require prompt treatment with supportive care and fluids. Treatment of Salmonellosis with antibiotics is necessary for severe cases.

What can I do to prevent the spread of Salmonella from my pets?

Salmonella can be shed in the stool of pets for 4-6 weeks after infection. If your pet is diagnosed with Salmonella, please talk to your veterinarian about taking precautions to minimize spread of the germ. Be careful to pick up stool and dispose of properly. Wash your hands after petting and cleaning up after your pet, particularly before eating or preparing food. A mild bleach solution can be used to clean areas that may be contaminated with Salmonella.