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Food Poisoning from Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter?

Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter has been linked to 29 cases of salmonella illnesses over 18 states. As a result, and in an effort to protect the public and avoid further Trader Joe’s food poisoning, the Trader Joe’s grocery store chain is recalling this peanut butter and the public is warned not to consume the Trader Joe’s peanut butter.

The Los Angeles Times reported today that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, which is sold nationwide, is the likely source of this problem. It is also reported that these two (2) government agencies are investigating as to whether any other items sold at this chain could be contaminated.

Salmonella or salmonellosis is also referred to as “food poisoning”. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.” This infection is more dangerous to children, the elderly and those with a weak immune system.

Not surprisingly, as the infection is linked to eating peanut butter, more than three-fourths of those who became infected are under 18 years of age.


The FDA issued a statement that the FDA, CDC and also the state of California described its findings to Trader Joe’s on September 20, 2012. Trader Joe’s then agreed to start removing its Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter product from its store shelves.

It was further reported that several states have issued warnings to its residents not to eat this peanut butter. Although the identity of all of the involved states has not yet been reported, it is believed that three (3) cases were reported in Massachusetts, and one (1) each in Rhode Island and North Carolina.

The CDC also advised that the illnesses were reported from June 11, 2012 to the most recent on September 2, 2012.

Food poisoning can be a very debilitating infection, causing terrible cramps, diarrhea and fever. In one food poisoning case our firm handled, over twenty (20) people became ill at one event, resulting in a monetary recovery for each person. Should you suspect that you are the victim of food poisoning, you should immediately seek medical attention and report it to your local health department. In some cases this infection has been reported to spread to others, so it is important to take immediate action not only for your own health but also for the protection of those near to you.

Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys have handled thousands of injury and wrongful death claims, including food poisoning cases, resulting from negligence or other unsafe and dangerous actions and conditions throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and California. Should you or anyone you care about suffer any injury due to food poisoning or the fault of another, please let us know as soon as possible so we may assist your family and you with proper investigation, preservation of evidence, medical care and financial recovery. You may contact us at any time for an absolutely FREE consultation:

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