Salmonella and Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis, or salmonella, is one of the most common foodborne diseases. Overall, salmonella infections are decreasing in the United States, but some types are still increasing.

Salmonella may occur in small, contained outbreaks in the general population or in large outbreaks in hospitals, restaurants, or institutions housing children or the elderly. While the disease is found worldwide, health experts most often report cases in North America and Europe. Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives reports of 40,000 cases of salmonellosis in the United States.

Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis. The elderly, infants, and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness. People with AIDS are particularly vulnerable to salmonellosis, often suffering from recurring episodes.

Cause
Many types of Salmonella bacteria cause salmonellosis in animals and people. While the occurrence of different types of Salmonella varies from country to country, S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis are the two most commonly found in the United States.

An antibiotic-resistant strain of S. typhimurium, called Definitive Type 104 (DT104), was first found in the United Kingdom and then in the United States. It is the second most common strain (after S. enteritidis) of Salmonella found in humans. This strain poses a major threat because it is resistant to several antibiotics normally used to treat people with salmonella disease.

Transmission
Salmonella bacteria can be found in food products such as raw poultry, eggs, and beef, and sometimes on unwashed fruit. Food prepared on surfaces that previously were in contact with raw meat or meat products can, in turn, become contaminated with the bacteria. This is called cross-contamination.

In recent years, Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of several cases of salmonella from eating raw alfalfa sprouts grown in contaminated soil. You also can get salmonella after handling pets, particularly reptiles like snakes, turtles, and lizards.

Salmonella can become a chronic infection even if you do not have symptoms. In addition, though you may have no symptoms, you can spread the disease by not washing your hands before preparing food for others. In fact, if you know you have salmonella, health care experts recommend you do not prepare food or pour water for others until laboratory tests show you no longer carry Salmonella bacteria.

Symptoms
The following symptoms usually begin from 12 hours to 3 days after you are infected.

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Headache

These symptoms, along with possible nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting, usually last for 4 to 7 days. Symptoms are most severe in the elderly, infants, and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes or HIV infection.

Diagnosis
Your health care provider can use laboratory tests to identify Salmonella in your stool if you are infected.

Treatment
If you are like most people with salmonella, the disease will clear up within 5 to 7 days and you won’t need to be treated. If you have severe diarrhea, however, you may need intravenous fluids. If the disease spreads from your intestines into your bloodstream, your health care provider can treat it with antibiotics such as ampicillin.

Prevention

• Don’t drink milk that is unpasteurized.
• Don’t eat foods containing raw eggs, such as homemade caesar salad dressing, cookie dough, and hollandaise sauce, or drink homemade eggnog made with raw eggs.
• Handle raw eggs carefully.
• Keep eggs refrigerated.
• Throw away cracked or dirty eggs.
• Cook eggs thoroughly.
• Cook poultry products to an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit for breast meat and 180 degrees Fahrenheit for thigh meat.
• Wash thoroughly with soap and hot water all food preparation surfaces and utensils that have come in contact with raw poultry or raw eggs.
• Wash hands immediately after handling raw poultry or raw eggs.
• Wash hands immediately after handling reptiles or having contact with pet feces.

Complications
Reiter’s Syndrome
While most people recover successfully from salmonella, a few may develop a chronic condition called Reiter’s syndrome. This syndrome can last for months or years and can lead to arthritis. Its symptoms are painful joints, irritated eyes, and painful urination. Unless treated properly, Salmonella bacteria can escape from the intestine and spread by blood to other organs, sometimes leading to death.

Typhoid Fever
S. typhi bacteria can cause typhoid fever, a more serious disease. This disease, which can be fatal if untreated, is not common in the United States. Typhoid fever frequently occurs in developing countries, when people become infected from contaminated water. It’s also a risk in areas where flooding or earthquakes cause sewer systems to overflow.

Appropriate antibiotics usually are effective for treating typhoid fever, although the number of cases of antibiotic-resistant S. typhi are increasing in some parts of the world.

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This article is in the public domain and was reproduced from the website of the National Institutes of Health. The original article can be found by clicking here.

FDA Issues Guidance for Food Manufacturers on Use of Peanut-Derived Product

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that manufacturers obtain any peanut-derived ingredient only from suppliers who use production processes that have been demonstrated to adequately reduce the presence of Salmonella species (Salmonella spp.), or that they ensure that their own manufacturing process would adequately reduce the presence of Salmonella species.

The recommendations are in FDA’s "Guidance for Industry: Measures to Address the Risk for Contamination by Salmonella Species in Food Containing a Peanut-Derived Product As An Ingredient."

This guidance is intended for manufacturers who use a peanut-derived product as an ingredient in a food product. Peanut-derived products include peanuts, peanut butter, peanut paste, peanut meal, and peanut granules. Recent Salmonellosis outbreaks such as the outbreak associated with Salmonella Typhimurium involving the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) demonstrate the potential for foodborne illness from the consumption of foods containing peanut-derived products if those products are contaminated with Salmonella.

According to CDC, illnesses are still being reported among people who have eaten recalled peanut-derived products contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. The Agency is concerned that illnesses will continue to occur if people eat these peanut products that may still be on their shelves at home.

Both the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials urge consumers to check the FDA’s Web resource on the peanut-derived product recall or call CDC’s 24-hour information hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) before eating any peanut-derived products. Product recalls also include some pet food products made by PCA.

To search for recalled peanut products, visit: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

Whole Foods Recalls Pancake and Waffle Mix

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- March 5, 2008 – Whole Foods Market announced the recall of its 365 Everyday Value Brand Organic Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, which may have potential salmonella contamination. No other Whole Foods Market, 365 or 365 Organic products are affected.

The product, sold in two pound bags with Best Before dates of Nov 1 2009 and Nov 2 2009 stamped on the top, displays the following UPC code: 99482-42453: 365 Everyday value Brand Organic Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, 100% Whole Wheat.

Salmonella is a food-borne illness that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with this issue to date. There is very low risk of illness when preparation directions on the bag are followed and the product is not consumed raw or undercooked. Salmonella bacteria is killed at a temperature of 160° F.

If consumers have this product with the indicated UPC codes and Best Before dates, they may return it to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling 512-542-0656.

Whole Foods Market has removed the affected lot codes from all store shelves. Product was distributed to 19 states including Florida, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah, California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Peanut Butter Recall Update

If any resident would like an up-to-date list of recalled products that have been specifically distributed for retail sale in Massachusetts, please contact Keith Carlson, the Public Health Nurse, for access to an electronic or printed copy. A list dated February 25th was released to Massachusetts public health officials today, and is available for download or printing.

Keith can be reached at 413-259-3161 or carlsonk@amherstma.gov.

Bliss Bros. Dairy Recalls Ice Cream Products Due to Salmonella

Bliss Bros. Dairy, Inc. of Attleboro, MA is recalling ½ gallons and 3 gallons of Witch’s Brew ice cream and 3 gallons of JJ Lawsen brand Snikkers ice cream because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

• Bliss Brothers Dairy Witch’s Brew Ice Cream packaged in half gallon and 3 gallon with 8252 & 8273

•JJ Lawson Brand Snikkers Ice Cream packaged in 3 gallon with lot codes 8109, 8147 & 8218

Product was distributed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine through scoop shops, retail stores and home delivery. Witch’s Brew product is packaged in 3 gallon round paper containers and Bliss ½ gallon paper containers. JJ Lawsen Snikkers ice cream is packaged in 3 gallon round paper containers.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This action is a result of the recall from our supplier of an ingredient that used Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) peanut products. PCA recalled all peanut products manufactured in their Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007.
Consumers who have purchased either of these products should not consume it. They should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-622-8789.

The Latest Information on the Salmonella Outbreak

As the well-publicized nationwide salmonella outbreak broadens in scope, the Amherst Health Department would like to provide citizens of Amherst with the most up-to-date information available to us, and this blog will be updated regularly for the benefit of Amherst citizens seeking information.

To the best of our knowledge, all Amherst-area grocery outlets have removed recalled products from their shelves. However, consumers may still have previously purchased products in their cabinets that must be identified and disposed of. To that end, we are providing several important links which consumers can access to obtain the most accurate recall lists made available by the FDA and CDC.

For an accurate list of recalled products, please click here for access to the FDA's list which is updated on a daily basis to reflect the latest additions.

To access the FDA's Peanut Butter Recall Blog, please click here.

To see a YouTube video of The FDA's Dr. Stephen Sundlof discussing the do's and don'ts of the peanut butter outbreak, simply click here.

If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077.

Peanut Butter Product Recall

For those curious about the state of the peanut butter product recall, the CDC and FDA both report that "no association has been found with major national brand name jars of peanut butter sold in grocery stores."

Again, if consumers have any questions regarding the product recall, please visit the FDA website for an updated list of recalled products and an overview of the recent salmonella outbreak.

Peanut Butter-Related Salmonella Outbreak Update

As the list of recalled products expands related to the recent outbreak of Salmonella, the CDC has made several simple recommendations for American Consumers:

1) Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them

2) Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until information becomes available about whether that product may be affected.

So far, 474 people have been sickened in 43 states, with 107 individuals hospitalized and 6 deaths potentially linked to the outbreak. 40 of the 474 infected individuals reside in Massachusetts.

The CDC states:

"Of the 458 persons with available data, illness onsets were between September 8, 2008 and January 2, 2009. Age range was 1-98."

For the latest list of recalled products, please visit the related page on the website of the Food and Drug Administration, available by clicking here. For general information on salmonella, please click here.

As always, please feel free to call Keith Carlson, Public Health Nurse for the Town of Amherst, at 413-259-3161 for further information.

Little Debbie Peanut Butter Crackers Recalled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 15, 2009

MCKEE FOODS VOLUNTARILY WITHDRAWS LITTLE DEBBIE® PEANUT BUTTER TOASTY
CRACKERS AND PEANUT BUTTER CHEESE CRACKERS

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. — Kellogg Company has announced that it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on several Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter sandwich crackers. Kellogg also manufactures Peanut Butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers for McKee Foods. These
two items are sold under the Little Debbie® brand.

FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that Kellogg uses in manufacturing peanut butter
sandwich crackers.

Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has Kellogg received any consumer illness complaints about these products. Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and
encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.

McKee Foods has also not received any consumer illness complaints about its Peanut Butter Toasty or Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers. McKee Foods is also taking the precautionary measures of putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging consumers to not eat these two Little Debbie® products.

The Little Debbie® Cheddar on Cheese sandwich cracker is not affected by this action.

McKee Foods does not purchase peanut paste from PCA, and therefore, no other Little Debbie® products containing peanut butter are affected by this action.

Consumers who have purchased Little Debbie® Peanut Butter Toasty and/or Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers should discard the crackers but save the packaging and contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-522-4499.

• McKee Foods Coporation • McKee Foods Transportation, LLC • McKee Foods Kingman, Inc. • McKee Foods Finance, Inc.

Kellogg Company Recalls Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Battle Creek, MI -- January 14, 2009

Kellogg Company today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on Austin and Keebler branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.

FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that the company uses in its Austin and Keebler branded peanut butter sandwich crackers.

Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer illness complaints about these products.

Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.

"Consumer health and safety is our top priority," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution."

While no additional consumer action is necessary at this time, consumers with questions or who would like a product refund can call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-314-2060.

Peanut Butter Recall Announced

Lynchburg, Va. (January 13, 2009) Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. All product affected was produced on or after July 1, 2008, specific to the lot numbers and descriptions listed below.

The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnells Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing

None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.

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For those who are interested, here is the text of the company's recent press release:

For: Immediate Release

Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter
Lynchburg, Va. (January 13, 2009) – Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

All product affected was produced on or after July 1, 2008, specific to the lot numbers and descriptions listed below.

The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnell’s Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing.
None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.

“We deeply regret that this has happened,” said Stewart Parnell, owner and president of PCA. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily withdrawing this product and contacting our customers. We are taking these actions with the safety of our consumers as our first priority.”
PCA initiated this recall after an open container of King Nut brand peanut butter in a long-term care facility in Minnesota was found to contain a strain of salmonella. King Nut brand peanut butter is produced by PCA.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota laboratory analyses on the contamination in the already-opened container of peanut butter have the same genetic fingerprint as the cases in the national outbreak that has sickened almost 400 people in 42 states.

The voluntary recall of 21 lots of its peanut butter, in containers ranging from five to 50 pounds, is being taken immediately. PCA is notifying its institutional customers and has set up a toll-free hotline number 1-877-564-7080 to answer questions.

PCA is continuing to work closely and cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state officials as part of this ongoing investigation.

According to a CDC update issued on their website today (January 13, 2009), preliminary analysis of an epidemiologic study conducted by CDC and public health officials has suggested peanut butter as a likely source. The CDC and other public health officials are continuing to conduct surveillance for cases of infection with the outbreak strains, and to gather and analyze data or exposures that may be associated with illness. To date, no association has been found with common brand names of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.

Customers are asked to take all peanut butter manufactured with the lot numbers listed below out of distribution immediately. Customers can call the following toll-free 24-hour number 1-877-564-7080 for further instructions on what to do with the product or visit the company website at http://www.peanutcorp.com/ for additional information.

Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses. For more information on the salmonella bacteria, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov/.

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About Peanut Corporation of America

Peanut Corporation of America is a family-owned and operated business since 1976 based in Lynchburg, VA and operating facilities in Blakely, GA, Suffolk, VA and Plainview, TX. The company prides itself on the quality and freshness of its products and strives constantly to maintain an environment in compliance with federal, state and local regulations and guidelines to provide a clean, safe product. For more information, visit the Peanut Company of America web site at www.peanutcorp.com.