Pennsylvania Health Department Investigates Salmonella Cases Linked To Peanut Butter As Part Of National Outbreak

Due to risk of contamination with salmonella, state Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today advised consumers not to eat and to discard Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Great Value Peanut Butter with product codes that begin with the number "2111."

Nationwide, 288 cases of illness have been linked to the current multi- state salmonella outbreak. In Pennsylvania, 25 cases have been identified in 19 counties: Adams, Beaver, Bedford, Bradford, Bucks, Centre, Clearfield, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montour, Perry, Philadelphia, Tioga, and Wayne.

"The department is working very closely with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct local public health investigations," Dr. Johnson said. "If you have any Peter Pan or Great Value Peanut Butter at home, check the product codes for '2111.' If those numbers appear, do not eat the peanut butter and immediately discard it."

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract and can sometimes affect the bloodstream and other organs. It is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis, which can include diarrhea and vomiting. Approximately 2,000 cases of salmonella are reported each year in Pennsylvania.

Onset of illness usually occurs in 24 to 72 hours and patients typically recover in 5 to 7 days. Patients often do not require treatment unless they become severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines. People with severe diarrhea may require rehydration, often with intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless the infection spreads from the intestines.

If you have consumed Peter Pan or Great Value Peanut Butter and are experiencing the symptoms described above, contact your primary health care provider.

Pennsylvania Department of Health
http://www.health.state.pa.us