Possible Salmonella Contamination in Popular Trader Joe's Peanut Butter

Peanut butter image via Shutterstock

You may have a love/hate relationship with Trader Joe’s. But unless you have an allergy, who doesn’t love their salted peanut butter? If you recently purchased Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter, it’s time to put down the spoon. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that three cases have already been reported in Massachusetts and 29 cases of Salmonella have been reported nationally since June.

A multi-state recall of the peanut butter is in effect, although this is precautionary because at this time, officials with the specialty grocery chain said they are acting “out of an abundance of caution,” and stressed that there are no confirmed reports of contamination due to their specific product.

According to the DPH, Salmonella are germs (bacteria) that cause an infectious disease (called “salmonellosis”) of the bowel in humans and animals. Symptoms can take up to three days to show up, but most often begin 12 to 36 hours after the germs are ingested. Symptoms generally last for several days. Some people with salmonellosis become sick enough to require hospitalization.

Possible symptoms:

• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting

If you are experiencing these symptoms and feel you may be at risk, visit your doctor or healthcare provider immediately. Even if you are not sick, but have the peanut butter in your home, the DPH recommends you discard it right away.