Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jif Brand Peanut Butter
The CDC announced an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg linked to Jif Peanut Butter. The agency reports 16 confirmed cases of the outbreak strain at this time. Two cases required hospitalization due to their severity. As a result, The J.M. Smucker Co. initiated a recall of multiple peanut butter products on May 20, 2022.
Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas report two confirmed cases each. In addition, Arkansas, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington State each confirm one outbreak case.
Confirmed cases started between February 19 and May 2, 2022. Because it usually takes two to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak, more recent cases may not yet officially be reported. Sick people range from one to 85 years old, with a median age of 51. Additionally, females comprise the majority of confirmed cases.
Jif Brand Peanut Butter Recall
The J.M. Smucker Co. announced a voluntary recall of multiple peanut butter products. The recall includes multiple types and sizes of peanut butter, including creamy, crunchy, natural, and reduced fat.
Check the lot code to determine whether your peanut butter has been recalled. First, determine whether the first four numbers are 1274 through 2140. Second, see if the next three numbers are 425. If the lot number meets both of those conditions, then your product is included in the recall.
In addition, other companies announced recalls of foods made with Jif brand peanut butter. These recalled foods include products like snack trays and chocolates. Find an updated list of associated recalled products here. The USDA-FSIS also issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat salad products that may be contaminated.
About Salmonella Infection
Common symptoms resulting from infection with Salmonella bacteria include diarrhea (which may be bloody), stomach cramps, and fever, which begin anywhere from six hours to six days after ingestion. On average, symptoms last four to seven days. Additional common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
People acquire Salmonella by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the bacteria, or touching infected animals and failing to wash their hands afterwards. Outbreaks of Salmonella have been tied to contaminated vegetables, such as bean sprouts, as well as to contaminated poultry, beef, and eggs.
The CDC recommends contacting a doctor in certain situations. First, diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees requires medical attention. You should also seek medical attention for diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that is not improving. Bloody stools also require prompt medical attention. This is also true in the case of continued vomiting that keeps you from keeping liquids down. Finally, you should call your doctor if you have signs of dehydration. These include making very little urine (peeing infrequently), dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up.