Peanut Butter Linked To Salmonella Outbreak Distributed In State

HARTFORD — Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, announced January 14 that a brand of peanut butter that was recalled by its distributor for possible salmonella contamination has been distributed to Connecticut institutions and restaurants.

At presstime January 15, the outbreak has been associated with four deaths according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

King Nut Companies, a distributor of peanut butter manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America, provides peanut butter to institutions and restaurants under the King Nut label.

While the peanut butter is not sold directly to consumers, Connecticut restaurants, large dining halls, and other major food service accounts may have this product. King Nut Companies recalled the product when it was informed that salmonella had been found in an open five-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter.

All other King Nut products are safe and not included in this voluntary recall.

“We have the distribution information and we are now checking the facilities that would be affected by the recall,” Commissioner Farrell said. “Any recalled peanut butter that we find will be removed immediately.”

This product is not sold in retail stores, and therefore is not likely to be in consumers’ homes.

The Department of Consumer Protection continues to work with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the evaluation of recalls of food and other products.

The salmonella bacteria can cause an infection known as salmonellosis, which often produces diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most persons recover without treatment.

In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness, and should be seen by a physician if they experience these symptoms.