As the CDC outbreak investigation continues, and thousands of products are recalled, reported cases are on the decline.
In early January 2009, the CDC and public health officials determined that peanut butter products were the likely source of the ongoing national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. Product testing eventually prompted recalls of various peanut butter products produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (“PCA”). Crisis management efforts, at all levels, then began in earnest. On January 28, 2009, PCA recalled all peanuts, peanut meal, peanut paste and peanut butter, distributed from its Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007. Following additional governmental investigations, PCA also recalled all products, including peanut meal, granulated peanuts and dry roasted peanuts, produced and distributed from its Plainview, Texas facility since the plant opened in March 2005.
PRODUCTS AFFECTED:
Although the majority of products produced by PCA were not distributed for direct consumer sale, most products were distributed to downstream manufacturers for use as ingredients in many other products. As a result, the PCA recalls prompted hundreds of these manufacturers to recall their own products as well. Given the expansive scope of the recalls, and diverse use of PCA’s products as raw materials in many consumer foods, the FDA and industry are continuing their efforts - even to this day - to determine what additional products might potentially be affected. So far, more than 2,000 consumer products have been recalled. To find products affected, use the searchable FDA Recall Interface on our blog (just scroll down the left-hand column).
PRODUCTS NOT AFFECTED:
According to the CDC, major national brands of jarred peanut butter found in grocery stores are NOT affected by the recall. As we reported previously, Girl Scout Cookies are also Not affected. For a list of additional products not affected by the ongoing recalls, please visit the American Peanut Council Website.
CDC INVESTIGATIVE UPDATES:
The following are highlights from the CDC’s most recent investigation update:
- Case count is 642 in 44 states with latest confirmed, most recent reported illness beginning on January 28, 2009;
- Although the outbreak is continuing, the numbers of new cases have declined modestly since December. Many recently ill persons report eating peanut butter and other recalled peanut-containing products; and
- Consumers should continue to check at home for recalled peanut butter containing products, and discard them.
As noted, as of February 15, 2009, 642 persons believed to be infected with the outbreak strain have been reported from 44 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), Arizona (13), Arkansas (6), California (76), Colorado (15), Connecticut (10), Florida (1), Georgia (6), Hawaii (4), Idaho (16), Illinois (9), Indiana (9), Iowa (3), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Maine (5), Maryland (8), Massachusetts (48), Michigan (35), Minnesota (39), Missouri (14), Mississippi (7), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (13), New Jersey (23), New York (28), Nevada (6), North Carolina (6), North Dakota (17), Ohio (94), Oklahoma (4), Oregon (12), Pennsylvania (19), Rhode Island (4), South Dakota (4), Tennessee (13), Texas (9), Utah (6), Vermont (4), Virginia (21), Washington (18), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (5), and Wyoming (2). Additionally, one ill person was reported from Canada (learn how food-borne illness outbreaks are tracked).
Oregon public health officials also recently confirmed, in a press release, that the ongoing outbreak may have also affected some pets. One laboratory-confirmed case of Salmonella in a dog from an Oregon household was reported, and further characterization of this Salmonella isolate is pending. Salmonella resembling the outbreak strain was also reportedly isolated by a private laboratory from recalled Happy Tails dog biscuits from the dog’s household.
We, of course, will continue to report new developments.
Another outbreak solved. As we reported previously, numerous students from the Woodbury Middle School (in Salem, N.H.) and the Florence Rideout Elementary School (in Wilton, N.H.) fell ill after an overnight stay at the Stone Environmental School (in Madison, N.H.). Although approximately 120 children and adults reported some form of illness, only fifteen cases of Salmonella were confirmed. In turn, these illnesses led to the temporary closure of the camp while Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) investigators worked closely with Stone Environmental to locate the source of the problem.
Stewart Parnell, president of the 
