PBucm320581.jpgThe CDC announced Saturday afternoon that a total of 29 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bredeney have been reported to PulseNet from 18 states. 4 ill persons have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Thus far Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, North Carolina and Minnesota are only named states.

Collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt is a likely source of this outbreak. On September 22, 2012, Trader Joe’s voluntarily recalled its Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter because of potential contamination with Salmonella and urges consumers to not eat the product.

The product comes in a 16 ounce, plastic jar. All code dates are included in this recall. This peanut butter product is sold at Trader Joe’s grocery stores nationwide and on the internet. Trader Joe’s has removed all Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt from sale in its stores. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any other foods sold primarily at Trader Joe’s grocery stores are also a source in this outbreak. Based on available information, CDC recommends that consumers do not eat Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with Sea Salt and dispose of any remaining jars of peanut butter in the home or return the product to any Trader Joe’s grocery store.