Maryland Warns Consumers Off Trader Joe's Peanut Butter

At least 29 sickened by salmonella outbreak

The state of Maryland is advising shoppers not to purchase Trader Joe's peanut butter because of a potential link to a salmonella outbreak.

The state's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) issued an advisory Friday warning customers off buying Trader Joe's brand Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt .

"Out of an abundance of caution," the advisory read, "consumers should consider setting aside and not consuming all Trader Joe's brand peanut butter products while the investigation continues. "

Maryland joined Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts in issuing warnings about the peanut butter's possible link to a Salmonella Bredeny outbreak, which has sickened 29 people nationwide. The DHMH acknowledged that Maryland had already had one associated case, a child who briefly fell ill before recovering. 

Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 6 to 72 hours after the infection. The illness usually lasts 2 to 7 days and does not require treatment, though in some cases hospitalization is required. The advisory says that anyone who suffers from the above symptoms that has consumed Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt should consult their health care provider.

For more information, visit the DHMH's website.

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