The CDC has declared that an outbreak of infections from Salmonella Senftenberg in Jif peanut butter is over, and the FDA investigation has been closed.
The outbreak had 21 patients confirmed infected across 17 states. Four people required hospitalization. No deaths were reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In an update Wednesday the Food and Drug Administration reported that its investigation is closed. The agency last reported that the infections were linked to certain Jif brand peanut butter products produced at the J.M. Smucker Company facility in Lexington, Kentucky.
J.M. Smucker Company voluntarily recalled certain Jif brand peanut butter and many other companies that used the peanut butter as an ingredient in their products also issued recalls.
“The FDA is preparing a report to discuss findings and provide information to assist in future prevention efforts,” according to an FDA statement.
For consumers the FDA continues to urge them to check to see if they have the recalled peanut butter on hand or if they have used the recalled Jif brand peanut butter that have lot code numbers 1274425 through 2140425 and the first seven digits end with 425. If anyone in a household ate or handled this peanut butter and has symptoms of salmonellosis, they should contact their healthcare provider.
For retailers, re-packers, and manufacturers the FDA recommends referring to the firm’s recall press release for the UPC codes and other retailer information. Retailers, re-packers or manufacturers should not sell or serve recalled peanut butter or products containing recalled peanut butter.
For additional information see:
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten or handled any recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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