Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Peanut Butter

The CDC and FDA have linked a recent multistate outbreak of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella serotype Tennessee to consumption of peanut butter sold under the Peter Pan and Great Value labels.

The affected jars of peanut butter have a product code on the lid that begins with "2111." ConAgra makes both brands in the same Georgia facility; Great Value peanut butter manufactured elsewhere is not thought to be affected.

The outbreak started quietly in August, but has been growing steadily. As of Feb. 15, 290 people from 39 states had reported illnesses related to this Salmonella strain. At least 44 patients have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. Health officials are working with the peanut butter manufacturer to determine how the food was contaminated.

The CDC has released a patient-oriented question and answer sheet (PDF file: 2 pages / 12 KB. More about PDFs.) on the outbreak, and the FDA has issued a consumer warning.

Physicians looking for more information on salmonellosis, the disease caused by the Salmonella bacterium, will find information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention in the CDC's Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet on salmonellosis.

Physicians treating salmonellosis cases they suspect might be related to the contamination should report them to their local public health officials. If affected patients bring in jars of the affected peanut butter, those also should be turned over to health officials.

Peanut butter marked with the 2111 lot number purchased after May 2006 should only be retained if an individual has become sick from its consumption. In that case, the jars may be turned over to physicians or public health officials for analysis; otherwise, the jars should be discarded. ConAgra has recalled all the affected jars.