CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collected different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg infections.

Epidemiologic and laboratory data showed that Jif brand peanut butter made people sick.

As of July 27, 2022, this outbreak is over.

As of July 27, 2022, a total of 21 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Senftenberg were reported from 17 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 20, 2022, through May 24, 2022.

Sick people ranged in age from less than one to 85 years, with a median age of 59, and 75% were female. Of 13 people with information available, 4 were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.

State and local public health officials interviewed people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 13 people interviewed, 13 (100%) reported eating peanut butter in the week before they got sick. This percentage was significantly higher than results from a survey of healthy people, in which 57% of respondents reported eating any peanut butter in the week before they were interviewed. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating peanut butter. All 13 people reported eating Jif brand peanut butter specifically.

Public health investigators used the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that were part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples were closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak likely got sick from the same food.

FDA conducted WGS analysis on an environmental sample collected at the Lexington, Kentucky, J.M. Smucker Company facility in 2010. The analysis shows that this 2010 environmental sample was closely related genetically to the outbreak strain.

On May 20, 2022, J.M. Smucker Company recalled multiple Jif brand peanut butter types made at the Lexington, Kentucky, facility. Additional companies recalled foods made with Jif brand peanut butter.

Product Distribution: Nationwide

Total Illnesses: 16

Hospitalizations: 2

Last Illness Onset: May 1, 2022

States with Cases: Arkansas (1), Georgia (2), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Missouri (2), Ohio (1), North Carolina (2), New York (1), South Carolina (1), Texas (2), Virginia (1), Washington (1)

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg infections linked to certain Jif peanut butter products produced at the J.M. Smucker Company facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

CDC’s review of epidemiological information indicates that five out of five people reported consuming peanut butter and four of the five people specifically reported consuming different varieties of Jif brand peanut butter prior to becoming ill. FDA conducted Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis on an environmental sample collected at the Lexington, KY, J.M. Smucker Company facility in 2010. The analysis shows that this 2010 environmental sample matches the strain causing illnesses in this current outbreak. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that Jif brand peanut butter produced in the J.M. Smucker Company facility located in Lexington, KY, is the likely cause of illnesses in this outbreak.

J.M. Smucker Company has voluntarily recalled certain Jif brand peanut butter products that have the lot code numbers between 1274425 – 2140425 manufactured in Lexington, KY. Photo examples and a list of UPC codes are included below.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled Jif brand peanut butter that have lot code numbers 1274425 through 2140425 (see photo example and UPC list below). This product has a two-year shelf life so consumers should check any Jif peanut butter in their home.

FDA recommends that if you have used the recalled Jif brand peanut butter that have lot code numbers 1274425 through 2140425, you should wash and sanitize surfaces and utensils that could have touched the peanut butter.

UPC Description
5150025516 JIF 16 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025537 JIF 16 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024705 JIF 96 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150024706 JIF 96 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150007565 JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150008026 JIF 12 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER INTERNATIONAL
5150008051 JIF 3/4 OUNCE PEANUT BUTTER PLASTIC CASE
5150008058 JIF .64 OUNCE NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER PLASTIC CASE
5150021889 JIF 96 COUNT NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER TO GO CASE
5150024114 JIF 36 COUNT CREAMY JIF PEANUT TO GO CASE
5150024130 JIF 8 COUNT CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO
5150024136 JIF 8 COUNT CREAMY PBTR TO GO
5150024137 JIF 4.5 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO
5150024143 JIF 54 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 36 PACK
5150024163 JIF 28 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024170 JIF 96 COUNT CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO
5150024174 JIF 54 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO 36 PACK
5150024177 JIF 28 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024182 JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL HONEY
5150024191 JIF 12 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024307 JIF 12 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TO GO
5150024321 JIF 40 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024322 JIF 28 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024331 JIF 4 POUND CAN CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150024404 JIF 96 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY TWINPACK
5150024540 JIF 15.5 OUNCE NO ADDED SUGAR PEANUT BUTTER
5150024545 JIF 13 OUNCE SQUEEZABLE POUCH
5150024548 JIF 33.5 OUNCE NO ADDED SUGAR PEANUT BUTTER
5150024545 JIF 13 OUNCE SQUEEZABLE POUCH
5150024572 JIF 13 OUNCE NATURAL SQUEEZE POUCH
5150024572 JIF 13 OUNCE NATURAL SQUEEZE POUCH
5150024769 JIF 80 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150024776 JIF 80 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150025499 JIF 40 OUNCE REDUCED FAT CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025516 JIF 16 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025518 JIF 16 OZ REDUCED FAT CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025530 JIF 16 OUNCE CREAMY OMEGA 3 PEANUT BUTTER
5150025537 JIF 16 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025542 JIF 80 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150025565 JIF 16 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025574 JIF 16 OUNCE NATURAL CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150025578 JIF 16 OUNCE NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER HONEY
5150072001 JIF 40 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
5150072002 JIF 40 OUNCE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
5150075007 JIF TO GO 8 PACK 250 GRAM CREAMY
5150041418 JIF 46.5 OUNCE NO ADDED SUGAR PEANUT BUTTER
5150092100 JIF 1.1 OUNCE PORTION CONTROL PEANUT BUTTER 120 COUNT
5150024705 JIF 96 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER TWIN PACK
5150024177 JIF 28 OUNCE CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER

If you or someone in your household ate this peanut butter and have symptoms of salmonellosis, please contact your healthcare provider.

Yesterday, the FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg infections linked to certain Jif peanut butter products produced at the J.M. Smucker Company facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

Total Illnesses: 14,

Hospitalizations: 2,

Last Illness Onset: May 1, 2022.

States with Cases: Arkansas (1), Georgia (2), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Missouri (1), Ohio (1), North Carolina (1), New York (1), South Carolina (1), Texas (2), Virginia (1), and Washington (1).

CDC’s review of epidemiological information indicates that five out of five people reported consuming peanut butter and four of the five people specifically reported consuming different varieties of Jif brand peanut butter prior to becoming ill.

FDA conducted Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis on an environmental sample collected at the Lexington, KY, J.M. Smucker Company facility in 2010. The analysis shows that this 2010 environmental sample matches the strain causing illnesses in this current outbreak.

Epidemiologic evidence indicates that Jif brand peanut butter produced in the J.M. Smucker Company facility located in Lexington, KY, is the likely cause of illnesses in this outbreak.

J.M. Smucker Company has voluntarily recalled certain Jif brand peanut butter products that have the lot code numbers between 1274425 – 2140425 manufactured in Lexington, KY.

Vadilal Industries USA Inc. is recalling Vadilal Quick Treat brand Custard Apple Pulp because of possible Salmonella contamination, according to a recall notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration..

The product was also recalled in New Zealand in February.

Recalled product:

Product Description Recall Number Classification Code Information Product Quantity Reason for Recall
1

Vadilal Quick Treat Custard Apple Pulp Net Wt, 1kg/35.27-oz. Product code FPEP44302 UPC:8901777282168 Best Before September 2023

F-0815-2022

 Class I

KWHO Best before Sept 2023 KRQO Best before Sept 2023

997 cases (10 packs/per case)

Product may be contaminated with Salmonella

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them.

Kinder chocolate and Salmonella:European health agencies have called for further investigation into the Kinder chocolate factory in Arlon linked to an outbreak of Salmonella across Europe.

Kinder, owned by the Italian company Ferrero, detected Salmonella Typhimurium in a buttermilk tank at the Arlon site during the manufacturer’s own checks in December 2021, according to the ECDC. The Belgian foods safety agency FASFC said in a statement at the time: “After investigations (…) and following the findings of the last few hours that the information provided by Ferrero is incomplete, the Agency is today withdrawing the authorization of the Ferrero production plant in Arlon”.

As of April 8, there have been at least 150 cases of confirmed or suspected salmonella linked to the Kinder products, in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets warned residents to avoid consuming raw milk from a farm in Adams due to possible salmonella contamination.

According to the Department, consumers should not consume unpasteurized raw milk from Next Generation Farm which is located at 9922 County Route 152 in Adams, which is located in Jefferson County.

According to a press release from the Department, a sample of the milk was collected by an inspector from the Department who discovered the product was contaminated with Salmonella. The producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result on March 9.

Further laboratory testing was completed on March 21 and confirmed the presence of Salmonella in the raw milk sample. The producer was prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicate that the product is free of harmful bacteria.

The Department recommends that any consumers who purchased raw milk from Next Generation Farm immediately dispose of it and call the farm at (315) 486-2340.

However, the Department reminded residents that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time and kills the bacteria responsible for numerous illnesses and diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis.

Pasteurization of milk is recognized internationally as an effective means of preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including salmonellosis. Although no illnesses associated with the product have been reported yet, Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Additionally, the bacteria can cause healthy individuals to experience fever, diarrhea which may be bloody, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The FDA had been investigating complaints of four infant illnesses from three states – Ohio, Minnesota and Texas.  All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Public Health, in coordination with local health partners, has confirmed the state’s first case of salmonella in an infant as a result of ingesting recalled powdered infant formula.

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced they were investigating four complaints of infant illness related to products produced at Abbott Nutrition’s facility located in Sturgis, Michigan, received from September 6, 2021 to December 18, 2021. Complaints included three reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one report of Salmonella Newport infection in infants. All infants were hospitalized and there was one death.

Abbott issued a voluntary recall of powdered infant formula from Similac, Alimentum or EleCare with the following product codes which can be found on the container:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37, and

  • the code contains K8, SH, or Z2, and

  • the expiration date is April 1, 2022 (APR 2022) or later.

These products are widely distributed across the United States and other countries. Formulas matching the codes provided above could be contaminated with Cronobacter. These bacteria can cause severe foodborne illness in infants with newborns being especially high risk.

“Parents and caregivers with infants on formula should immediately review the formula to ensure they are not using a recalled product,” said Dr. Ayne Amjad, State Health Officer and Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health. “They should seek immediate medical care if their infant has consumed recalled formula and their infant is experiencing signs and symptoms of Cronobacter or Salmonella infection: diarrhea, poor feeding, irritability, vomiting, or blood in their stool.”

Parents and caregivers with a sick infant who has consumed a recalled product are encouraged to keep opened or unopened cans of recalled formula in the instance that the local health department would like to sample the product.

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections such as sepsis or meningitis. Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, and abnormal movements. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body. Parents or caregivers noticing any of these symptoms in their children should seek immediate medical care.

Products that do not contain the information listed above are not impacted by this advisory. This advisory does not include liquid formula products or any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas.

Healthcare providers and health departments are encouraged to report any confirmed cases of Cronobacter or Salmonella who consumed a recalled product to the DHHR’s Office of Epidemiological and Preventive Services at 304-558-5358, extension 2.

Families who purchase infant formula with WIC benefits should reach out to their WIC clinic to return any open or unopened recalled products. WIC clinics must verify the products prior to replacing WIC benefits.

For more information:

FDA:

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-and-salmonella-complaints-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/abbott-voluntarily-recalls-powder-formulas-manufactured-one-plant

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reports that there are now 110 people from five provinces who have been confirmed as outbreak patients. As of Dec. 21 there were 84 confirmed patients.

“Many of the individuals who became sick reported eating a variety of raw and cooked produce items before their illness. Initially, investigators identified that fresh avocados were reported by many cases before they became ill; however, more information was needed to confirm the source of the outbreak,” according to the PHAC outbreak update.

“As part of the food safety investigation, the CFIA collected different food items from restaurants where ill people dined. Testing found the outbreak strain of Salmonella in an unopened package of Alasko brand frozen whole kernel corn. Traceback findings identified Alasko as the common brand of frozen corn consumed at various foodservice establishments by individuals who became sick. Based on the investigation findings to date, the outbreak is linked to Alasko brand frozen whole kernel corn.”

Outbreak patients have been identified in five provinces: British Columbia with 42, Alberta with 49, Saskatchewan with 4, Manitoba with 13, and Ontario with 2. The illnesses reported in Ontario are related to travel to Alberta and British Columbia, according to the public health agency.

Patients documented so far became sick between early September 2021 and late December 2021. Four individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 1 and 89 years of age. The majority of cases, 64 percent, are female.

A total of 34 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- were reported from 10 states. The true number of sick people in this outbreak was likely much higher than the number reported, and this outbreak may not have been limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from September 18, 2021, to October 30, 2021. Sick people ranged in age from 1 to 75 years, with a median age of 8. Most of the sick people (79%) were younger than 18, and 58% were female. Of 27 people with information available, 7 were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.

State and local public health officials interviewed people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Among 27 people interviewed, 26 (96%) reported eating salami sticks and 25 (93%) reported eating or maybe eating Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks.

California officials found Salmonella in two unopened packages of Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks that they collected for testing. WGS identified in these products a different strain of Salmonella (Salmonella Derby) that was not closely related to samples from sick people. PulseNet did not find any illnesses caused by this strain of Salmonella Derby.

WGS analysis of bacteria from 28 people’s samples, two salami stick samples, and one raw ground pork sample predicted resistance to one or more of the following antibiotics: ampicillin, fosfomycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing by CDC’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) laboratory is currently underway. Most people with Salmonella illness recover without antibiotics. However, if antibiotics were needed, this resistance was unlikely to affect the choice of antibiotic used to treat most people.

On November 10, 2021, Euro Foods recalled approximately 119,091 pounds of Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks products.

Since the last update on October 29, 2021, 84 more sick people were added to this outbreak. As of November 12, 2021, 892 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Oranienburg have been reported from 38 states and Puerto Rico (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 31, 2021, to October 25, 2021 (see timeline).
Sick people range in age from less than 1 year to 101 years, with a median age of 37, and 58% are female. Of 571 people with information available, 183 (32%) have been hospitalized.

The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

Whole genome sequencing of bacteria from 788 people’s samples did not predict any antibiotic resistance. Five people’s samples were predicted to be resistant to one or more of the following antibiotics: amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cefoxitin, and ceftriaxone, gentamicin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing of three people’s samples by CDC’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) laboratory also found no resistance. Most people with Salmonella illness recover without antibiotics. However, if antibiotics are needed, this resistance is unlikely to affect the choice of antibiotic used to treat most people because it is rare.

FDA published a list of retail establishments that received product recalled by Keeler Family Farms and a list of retail establishments that received product recalled by ProSource Produce LLC. These lists represent the best information currently available to the FDA; however, they may not include all retail establishments that have received the recalled product or may include retail establishments that did not actually receive the recalled product. It is important that you use the product-specific information, available on the Keeler Family Farms recall announcement and the ProSource Produce LLC recall announcement, in addition to these lists of retail stores, when you check the food you have to see if it has been recalled.

FDA has posted a list of additional recalls being conducted by companies that may have received recall onions from ProSource Produce LLC and Keeler Family Farms. This list includes recalls conducted by companies that further processed the onions by using them as ingredients in new products or by repackaging them.

ProSource Produce LLC has voluntarily recalled red, yellow, and white onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, with import dates from July 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021. Additional descriptors used for these onion types may include, but are not limited to, jumbo, colossal, medium, summer and sweet onions. Additional recall information will be made public as soon as it is available from ProSource Inc.

The onions were distributed to wholesalers, broadline foodservice customers, and retail or grocery stores in:

  • 50 lb., 25 lb., 10 lb., 5 lb., 3 lb., and 2 lb. mesh sacks
  • 50 lb., 40 lb., 25 lb., 10 lb., and 5 lb. cartons

And by the following distributors and/or under the following brands:

  • Big Bull
  • Peak Fresh Produce
  • Sierra Madre
  • Markon First Crop.
  • Markon Essentials
  • Rio Blue
  • ProSource
  • Rio Valley
  • Sysco Imperial

Keeler Family Farms has recalled red, yellow, and white whole, fresh onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, with import dates from July 1, 2021, through August 25, 2021. The onions were distributed in 25lb and 50lb mesh sacks. They contain a label that is marked as “MVP (product of MX)”.

Additional details regarding the recalled products are available on the Keeler Family Farms recall announcement.

Recalls have also been initiated by companies that sold recalled onions or products containing the recalled onions.