23 February 2007

Salmonella outbreak in the United States

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported on a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infection linked to consumption of “Peter Pan” and “Great Value” brands of commercial peanut butter [1]. The first cases of infection with the outbreak strain, Salmonella Tennessee, occurred in August 2006, with 60% of cases occurring since 1 December 2006.

As of 21 February, 329 persons were reported from 41 states. Among 249 patients with clinical information, 21% (51) were hospitalised; no deaths have been attributed to the infection.

Public health officials, the US Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturer of the implicated brands, ConAgra, are working together to determine how the peanut butter may have become contaminated with Salmonella.

Advice for travellers

The US Food and Drug Administration has advised consumers not to eat any “Peter Pan” brand of peanut butter purchased since May 2006, or “Great Value” brand peanut butter with a product code beginning with 2111 and purchased since May 2006 [2]. Jars of peanut butter of these brands should be discarded if already purchased.

Infection with Salmonella usually causes diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps that will last four to seven days. Although most people will recover without specific treatment, some may develop more severe illness and require hospitalisation or outpatient treatment. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immunity are most likely to develop severe disease. Travellers who experience any of the above symptoms following ingestion of these brands of peanut butter should seek medical care.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Salmonellosis - Outbreak Investigation, February 2007. 22 February 2007. [On-line resource. Accessed 23 February 2007]. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/salmonellosis_20

07/outbreak_notice.htm

2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns consumers not to eat certain jars of Peter Pan peanut butter and Great Value peanut butter. Product may be contaminated with Salmonella. 14 February 2007. [On-line resource. Accessed 23 February 2007]. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01563.html