2012 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peanut Butter – Consumer Advice

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney Infections Linked to Peanut Butter Manufactured By Sunland, Inc. (Final Update)

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Posted November 30, 2012 12:15 PM ET

This outbreak appears to be over. However, Salmonella is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about Salmonella, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC Salmonella Web Page and the CDC Vital Signs Web Page.

Recall

Search FDA’s database for recalled Sunland nut and seed products.

On October 12, 2012, Sunland, Inc. announced that it is extending its ongoing voluntary recall to include raw and roasted shelled and in-shell peanuts processed in its Peanut Processing Plant because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Specifically, the recall is being extended to include raw and roasted peanuts, both in-shell and shelled, which were processed in its Peanut Processing Plant located in Portales, New Mexico, and which are sold in quantities from 2 ounces to 50 pounds which are within their current shelf life or have no stated expiration date.

On October 4, 2012, Sunland Inc. expanded its ongoing recall to include all products made in the Sunland nut butter production facility between March 1, 2010 and September 24, 2012.  The company reports that it is adding 139 products to the recall, bringing the total number of products being recalled by Sunland Inc. to 240.

The expanded recall covers all previously identified Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, and Tahini products as well as Roasted Blanched Peanut Products. New product categories being added to the list are several varieties of flavored butters and spreads, including Thai Ginger Butter, Chocolate Butter and Banana Butter.

On September 24, 2012, Sunland, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of its peanut butter and other products containing nuts and seeds, manufactured between May 1, 2012 and September 24, 2012, because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled products manufactured by Sunland, Inc. were distributed nationally to numerous large supermarket chains. The recall applies to the products with Best-If-Used-By dates between May 1, 2013 and September 24, 2013. This date is stamped on the side of the jars’ labels below the lid.

On September 22, 2012, Trader Joe’s voluntarily recalled its Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter because of potential contamination with Salmonella and urged consumers to not eat the product. In advance of this recall, Trader Joe’s removed the product from all store shelves.

The recalled Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter was distributed to Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. The product comes in a 16-ounce plastic jar. All code dates are included in this recall, up to an including July 26, 2013 (26JUL13). The peanut butter is labeled Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt.

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 location for a full refund.

Advice to Consumers, Retailers, and Others

Contaminated peanut butter and other products containing nuts and seeds may make people sick.

  • CDC recommends that consumers do not eat recalled peanut butter and other products containing nuts and seeds and dispose of any remaining jars of these products in the home or return the jars to the place of purchase.
    • Many of these products have a long shelf-life and they may still be in peoples’ homes.
    • 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 peanut butter or other products containing nuts and seeds 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.

Contaminated peanut butter and other products containing nuts and seeds may still be in peoples’ homes or available for sale on the internet.

  • Consumers who purchased recalled peanut butter or other products containing nuts and seeds are advised not to eat them and dispose of any remaining jars of these products or return the jars to the place of purchase.
  • Retailers and food service operators should not sell or serve recalled peanut butter and other products containing nuts and seeds.
  • Some of these products may still be available for sale from internet retailers.

Read the full Outbreak Investigation