The CDC collaborated with public health officials in multiple states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+) infections. Thirteen people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+) were reported from 10 states.

This outbreak was caused by Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+) bacteria, formerly known as Salmonella Java. People with illness caused by this bacteria typically experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after an exposure. Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+) does not cause paratyphoid fever, enteric fever, or typhoid fever.

The epidemiologic evidence collected during the investigation indicated that JEM Raw brand sprouted nut butter spreads were the likely source of this outbreak. All 10 ill people interviewed (100%) reported exposure to a nut butter or nut butter spread in the week before illness onset, and eight (80%) of these people specifically reported exposure to a JEM Raw brand sprouted nut butter spread.

On December 2, 2015, JEM Raw Chocolate, LLC voluntarily recalled its entire line of sprouted nut butter spreads because of potential contamination with Salmonella. The recall affects all flavors of nut butter spreads sold by JEM Raw with best by dates of October 30, 2016 or earlier. The best by date can be found on the bottom of the jar. The nut butter spreads were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail order. The products were sold in glass jars in sizes ranging from 1.25 ounces to 16 ounces.