An FDA press release informs that the source of the latest outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Typhimurium are peanut butter and paste produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at its Blakely processing plant, Georgia, USA. This conclusion was made after epidemiological analyses and laboratory tests were carried out by state officials in Minnesota and Connecticut, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The peanut butter is distributed by PCA in bulk containers ranging from five pounds to 1,700 pounds, while the peanut paste is sold in 35-pound containers as well as products sold by the tanker container. In both cases the products in containers are sold to wholesalers and retailers, not directly to end consumers, says the FDA.
Nevertheless, the FDA believes the PCA distributed potentially tainted products to over 70 consignee companies for use as an ingredient in hundreds of different foods, such as crackers, cereal, candy, ice-cream and cookies. Firms all over the USA that received PCA products have issued voluntary recalls, says the FDA. The FDA has created a searchable database for these products.
Some pet foods that contain peanut paste made by PCA also form part of current recalls. The FDA explains that although the risk to animals from developing salmnonellosis is tiny, there is a risk to humans if they handle these products.
What is salmonella?
salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in people. They are living creatures which pass from the feces of animals or people to other animals or people. In the USA the most common types are salmonella serotype Typhimurium and salmonella serotype Enteritidis.
Who discovered salmonella?
salmonella is named after Daniel Elmer Salmon (1850-1914), an American scientist. Although he claimed the credit for discovering the bacteria, his colleague, Theobald Smith actually discovered it.
What is Salmonellosis?
This is an infection with the salmonella bacteria. Most infected people develop fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear 12-72 hours after infection. The illness, which usually lasts from 4 to seven days, generally does not require treatment – the patient will usually recover on his/her own.
However, if the diarrhea is severe the patient may need to be hospitalized. Salmonellosis can be very dangerous if the infection spreads into the blood stream and other body sites. Those most likely to experience severe illness are the elderly, babies and people with weakened immune systems.
Sources – CDC, FDA.
Written by Christian Nordqvist