Trader Joe's has pulled its Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter (sku 97111) made with sea salt from the shelves "out of an abundance of caution," according to a statement on the company's website.
The recall is related to a multi-state outbreak of confirmed salmonella bredeney infection dating back to June, with 3 people sick in Massachusetts and one each in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and New York. Altogether, 29 people have become ill across the country.
Peanut butter samples are being tested at various state labs. Although no positive samples have been found, Trader Joe's is voluntarily removing the product from store shelves.
Anyone who in recent months consumed this product and then became ill with diarrhea or vomiting should consult their health care provider.
Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 6 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 2 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient requires hospitalization. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection.
Though the closest Trader Joe's is in Lake Grove on Route 347, East End locals are known to make the trip to Western Suffolk just to shop at Trader Joe's. Groups have also formed online to petition the grocery chain for an East End storefront.
