Trader Joe's Peanut Butter may be Contaminated with Salmonella

The state Department of Health is warning consumers of possibly contaminated peanut butter sold at Trader Joe's.

Trader Joe's brand Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt with use by dates of 5/23/2013 and 6/28/2013 may be related to a multi-state outbreak of salmonella bredeney infection, the health department said in a release.

There have been 29 cases of illness, with one illness reported in Rhode Island.

The health department is working with the Cenders of Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Testing of peanut butter samples is underway at several state labs. Although no positive samples have been found, Trader Joe's is voluntarily removing the product from store shelves.

The health department advises anyone who recently consumed Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter Made with Sea Salt and then became ill with diarrhea or vomiting to consult their health care provider.

More information about the investigation as it becomes available.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection included diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 6 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 2 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient requires hospitalization. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection.