On the heels of the September 22 salmonella outbreak at
Trader Joes, 76 additional peanut and almond butters have been recalled by
manufacturer Sunland Inc. The New Mexico
based company is recalling the product after 29 cases of salmonella in 18 states
have caused concern for the public health.
Trader Joe’s voluntarily recalled its Creamy Salted Valencia
Peanut Butter after 4 customers were hospitalized after eating the product. But
the 76 additional peanut and almond butters were all manufactured with the same
equipment. Manufacturer Sunland Inc. isn’t taking any chances and is
investigating the origins of the salmonella outbreak.
WHAT IS SALMONELLA
Salmonella is the most widely reported of all food borne
illnesses. The salmonella bacteria causes over 1.4million illnesses and 400
deaths a year in the United States alone.
It is a microscopic organism that lives in the infected intestinal tract
of both humans and animals and passes to others through feces. If present on food, this bacteria does not
alter the taste, smell, or appearance of food.
When infected with the salmonella bacteria, people exhibit
the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever, chills
- Headaches
- Nausea
Symptoms of salmonella usually show in 4 to 72 hours after
ingesting the contaminated food and can last 4 to 7 days. Most cases are unpleasant but pass
quickly. Severe cases may lead to
hospitalization or death.
HOW DO YOU PROTECT
YOURSELF FROM SALMONELLA BACTERIA
There are a number of ways you can protect yourself from
salmonella infection. These include:
- Refrigerating perishable items quickly
- Cooking foods to their proper temperature
- Washing surfaces, utensils, and foods thoroughly
- Avoid cross- contamination of items
The effects of salmonella can be particularly hazardous to
the elderly, children, and in people with compromised immune systems. In these people, salmonella could potentially
be fatal. If you lose a loved one to the
effects of salmonella infection, you may want to consult a personal injury
attorney to discuss your legal options.
