Trader Joe’s corporate officials say they are acting “out of an abundance of caution” and ordering the recall of one type of its house brand peanut butter over salmonella concerns.
“Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter” should not be eaten, the Monrovia-based specialty grocery chain said.
“We have no confirmed information that suggests this peanut butter is unsafe to eat,” the company stated. But the food should not be eaten “pending health-related inquiries.”
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 29 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bredeney from 18 states, possibly linked to the peanut butter.
"FDA’s top priority is protecting consumers and ensuring the safety of our food supply. We are engaged on this case and working closely with the CDC and state health departments around the country. As we examine the information from the state investigations, we will make decisions on our next steps and keep the public informed," said the agency in a written statement posted on its website.
The CDC recommends that consumers do not eat Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt. This is especially important for children under the age of 5 years, elderly adults, and people with weak immune systems.
Trader Joe’s has at least five stores near Albany and Berkeley—in Berkeley, El Cerrito, Rockridge, Emeryville and Oakland (Lakeshore).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted the company’s voluntary recall on its website, but did not comment on the company’s statement.
The potential salmonella contamination could cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly or others with compromised immune systems. Healthy persons who get infected with salmonella experience fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and a most unpleasant distress of the lower
intestinal system.
Trader Joe’s is offering refunds.
Consumers who show any signs of illness from salmonellosis should consult their health care provider. The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 888-SAFEFOOD or consult the fda.gov website.
—City News Service contributed to this report.
