--- title: "End of The Beginning For Great Peanut Outbreak of ’08-’09" date: 2009-02-19T15:26:15-08:00 canonical_url: "https://marlerclark.com/news_events/end-of-the-beginning-for-great-peanut-outbreak-of-0809" section: News --- [All News](/news_events) / # End of The Beginning For Great Peanut Outbreak of &#8217;08-&#8217;09 As we end this week, it’s starting to feel like the end of beginning of the Great Peanut outbreak of ’08 and ’09. The number of confirmed Salmonella Typhimurium cases reached 654, adding a dozen, but all within the 44 impacted states that we’ve been looking at. Among those are at least nine deaths. Meanwhile, the largest recall of peanut products in history continues with nearly 2,400 separate items now on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration [list](http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm). Peanut Corporation of America is now entirely closed down as its Virginia blanching operations ceased operation when the company entered bankruptcy court last Friday. The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) late today provided this update: As of 9PM EDT, Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 654 persons infected with the outbreak strain of *Salmonella* Typhimurium have been reported from 44 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), Arizona (13), Arkansas (6), California (76), Colorado (16), Connecticut (10), Florida (1), Georgia (6), Hawaii (5), Idaho (16), Illinois (10), Indiana (9), Iowa (3), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Maine (5), Maryland (10), Massachusetts (48), Michigan (36), Minnesota (41), Missouri (14), Mississippi (7), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (13), New Jersey (23), New York (30), Nevada (6), North Carolina (6), North Dakota (17), Ohio (94), Oklahoma (4), Oregon (12), Pennsylvania (19), Rhode Island (5), South Dakota (4), Tennessee (13), Texas (9), Utah (6), Vermont (4), Virginia (21), Washington (19), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (5), and Wyoming (2). Additionally, one ill person was reported from Canada. ![Persons Infected with the Outbreak Strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, United States, by State, September 1, 2008 to February 18, 2009](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/images/maps/typhimurium/typhimurium_021909.jpg) Among the persons with confirmed, reported dates available, illnesses began between September 1, 2008 and February 3, 2009. Patients range in age from <1 to 98 years. The median age of patients is 16 years which means that half of ill persons are younger than 16 years. 21% are age <5 years, 17% are >59 years. 48% of patients are female. Among persons with available information, 23% reported being hospitalized. Infection may have contributed to nine deaths: Idaho (1), Minnesota (3), North Carolina (1), Ohio (2), and Virginia (2). On November 10, 2008, [CDC’s PulseNet](http://www.cdc.gov/pulsenet) staff noted a small and highly dispersed multistate cluster of 13 *Salmonella* Typhimurium isolates with an unusual DNA fingerprint or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern reported from 12 states. On November 25, [CDC’s OutbreakNet](http://www.cdc.gov/foodborneoutbreaks) team, working with state and local partners, began an epidemiologic assessment of that cluster, which had increased to 35 isolates. On December 2, CDC and state and local partners began an assessment of a second cluster of 41*Salmonella* Typhimurium isolates. The PFGE patterns of the second cluster were very similar to the patterns in the first cluster and were first noted by PulseNet on November 24, as a cluster of 27 isolates that had subsequently increased to 41 isolates. Neither of these patterns were seen previously in the PulseNet *Salmonella* Typhimurium database. The clusters also appeared similar epidemiologically, so the two patterns were grouped together as a single outbreak strain, and the investigations were merged. The outbreak can be visually described with a chart showing the number of persons who became ill each day. This chart is called an epidemic curve or [epi curve](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/epi_curve.html). The epi curve and information about interpreting it may be found [here](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/epi_curve.html). It shows that most illnesses began after October 1, 2008. Illnesses that occurred after January 21, 2008 may not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. [This takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/epi_curve.html). Please see the [*Salmonella*Outbreak Investigations: Timeline for Reporting Cases](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reportingtimeline.html) for more details. The numbers of new cases have declined modestly since the peak in December. However, the outbreak is continuing. Many recently ill persons report eating peanut butter and other recalled peanut-containing products. FDA and CDC are concerned that illness will continue to occur if people eat recalled peanut-containing products that are still on their shelves at home. Consumers should check at home for recalled peanut butter containing products and discard them. ## Outbreak Investigation The investigation is ongoing, and CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing surveillance to identify new cases or ill persons and to interview ill persons to ask about a range of exposures to peanut butter and other peanut-containing products. ### Peanut Butter Preliminary analysis of the first national case-control study conducted by CDC and public health officials in multiple states on January 3 and 4, 2009, comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons indicates that peanut butter is a likely source of the bacteria causing the infections. An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health suggested King Nut brand creamy peanut butter as a likely source of *Salmonella* infections among many ill persons in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture Laboratory isolated the outbreak strain of *Salmonella* Typhimurium from an open 5-pound container of King Nut brand creamy peanut butter. King Nut creamy peanut butter is distributed in many states to establishments such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools, universities, restaurants, delis, cafeterias, and bakeries. It is not sold directly to consumers and is not known to be distributed for retail sale in grocery stores. The Connecticut Department of Public Health Laboratory and the Georgia Department of Agriculture independently isolated *Salmonella* from unopened 5-pound containers of King Nut brand peanut butter. Officials in Connecticut have identified the *Salmonella* found in their container as the outbreak strain. Further tests are pending in Georgia to determine if the *Salmonella* in their container is also the outbreak strain. The Michigan Department of Community Health isolated *Salmonella* from an unopened 5-pound container of King Nut brand peanut butter. They have identified the *Salmonella* found in their container as the outbreak strain. For more information, you may view a [table that summarizes the several different strains of *Salmonella* identified during the outbreak investigation](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/strains_table.html) related to peanut butter and peanut containing products. To date, 17 clusters of infections in five states have been reported in schools and other institutions, such as long-term care facilities and hospitals. King Nut brand peanut butter was present in all facilities. King Nut is produced by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) in Blakely, Georgia. King Nut peanut butter was not sold directly to consumers but was distributed to institutions, food service providers, food manufacturers and distributors in many states and countries. Peanut butter and peanut paste is commonly used as an ingredient in many products, including cookies, crackers, cereal, candy, ice cream, pet treats, and other foods. ### Other Peanut-Containing Products To clarify whether other peanut-containing foods are associated with the outbreak, CDC along with state partners conducted a second national case-control study. Between January 17 and 19, 2009, telephone interviews were conducted with 95 persons who became ill with the outbreak strain and 405 well persons. Preliminary analysis of data received as of 9PM, Sunday, January 28, reveals an association between illness and consumption of pre-packaged peanut butter crackers, specifically with Austin and Keebler brands. Austin and Keebler brand peanut butter crackers are produced by the Kellogg Company in North Carolina, using peanut paste from the Peanut Corporation of America. On January 14, 2009, the Kellogg Company put a precautionary hold on these peanut butter crackers, and on January 16 recalled these products. Other peanut containing products produced by a variety of companies may have been made with the ingredients recalled by PCA. CDC and state health departments continue to investigate the association of other brands and foods that contain peanut butter with illness. *Salmonella* Typhimurium was isolated in Canada from Austin brand peanut butter crackers purchased in the United States. Officials in Canada have identified the *Salmonella* found in these peanut butter crackers as the outbreak strain. *Salmonella* resembling the outbreak strain was isolated by a private laboratory from three intact packages of Austin brand Toasty peanut butter crackers obtained from a patient’s home in Oregon. For more information, you may view a [table that summarizes the several different strains of *Salmonella* identified during the outbreak investigation](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/strains_table.html) related to peanut butter and peanut containing products. On February 6, Oregon public health officials confirmed that this *Salmonella* outbreak can also affect pets. One laboratory-confirmed case of *Salmonella* in a dog from an Oregon household was reported, and further characterization of this *Salmonella* isolate is pending. *Salmonella* resembling the outbreak strain was isolated by a private laboratory from recalled dog biscuits from this dog’s household. [More information on how this outbreak may affect pets is available to consumers](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/salmonella_pets.html). [Information for veterinary professionals is also available](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/salmonella_vets.html). On January 28, 2009, PCA announced a voluntary recall of all peanuts and peanut products processed in its Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007. In addition to peanut butter and peanut paste, the expanded recall includes roasted peanuts and other peanut products and was based in part on laboratory testing information from the company. On January 28, 2009, the facility reported that production of all peanut products had stopped. For the latest information on the PCA recall, please visit the [FDA website](http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html)\*. More than 2000 peanut-containing products produced by a variety of companies may have been made with the ingredients recalled by PCA. The list of currently recalled products can be found on the [FDA website\*](http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html#update). FDA and the product manufacturers are working to determine the list of affected products, which may be extensive. Many companies have already announced whether their products include ingredients being recalled by Peanut Corporation of America, Georgia, and more companies are expected to make similar announcements. The current list of recall announcements from companies and more information about FDA’s investigation can be found at the [FDA website](http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html#recalls)\*. [Back to Top](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/update.html#top) ## Recommendations Based on available information, CDC and FDA recommendations include: ### For consumers - **Major national brands of jarred peanut butter found in grocery stores are NOT on the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) recall list.** - Any product that is on the recall list should be disposed of in a safe manner. Any recalled product should be thrown away to prevent *Salmonella* infections in humans, pets, or other animals. This product should be disposed of in a closed plastic bag and placed in a sealed trash can to prevent people or animals, including wild animals, from eating it. - Consumers also should avoid eating products made with peanut butter, peanut paste, or other peanut-containing products if they are unsure whether these products have been recalled. - Consumers with pets should know that some pet foods and pet treats may contain peanut butter, including dog biscuits and bird food. If you have a recalled pet product in your household, do not feed it to your pet or other animals. Consumers also should avoid feeding products made with peanut butter, peanut paste, or other peanut-containing products to their pets if they are unsure whether these products have been recalled. For more information about this outbreak and your pet, you may visit [Questions and Answers Related to the *Salmonella* Typhimurium Outbreak and Pets](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/salmonella_pets.html). - To determine whether a product has been recalled, consumers can search the list of recalled products at the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website ](http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html)or telephone the company that distributed the product at the phone number on the package. - Consumers without internet access can telephone 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for product recall information from the FDA website and for other information on salmonellosis. - Persons who think they might have become ill from eating peanut butter or peanut-containing products should consult their health-care providers. - Infants, elderly persons, and persons with impaired immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. ### Other Salmonella Lawsuits [Ramona Family Naturals Market and Happy Hens Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuits](https://marlerclark.com/ramona-family-naturals-market-and-happy-hens-salmonella-outbreak-lawsuits) [Jalapeño Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuits: Chipotle, QDOBA and Coast Citrus Distributors — 431 Sick in 32 States](https://marlerclark.com/chipotle-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-peppers) [Egg Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 134 in 18 States](https://marlerclark.com/egg-salmonella-outbreak-sickens-98-in-17-states) [18 Sick with Salmonella from Moringa Capsules](https://marlerclark.com/18-sick-with-salmonella-from-moringa-capsules) [64 with Salmonella tied to Oysters](https://marlerclark.com/64-with-salmonella-tied-to-oysters) [Vega Farms Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 63](https://marlerclark.com/vega-farms-salmonella-outbreak-sickens-63) [Green Supplement causes Salmonella Outbreak](https://marlerclark.com/green-supplement-causes-salmonella-outbreak) [Salmonella Outbreak tied to Metabolic Meals](https://marlerclark.com/salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-metabolic-meals) [Kentucky Salmonella outbreak linked to Ramsey’s Diners and Missy’s Pies](https://marlerclark.com/kentucky-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-ramseys-diners-and-missys-pies) [Salmonella Egg Outbreak sickens 63 in California](https://marlerclark.com/salmonella-egg-outbreak-sickens-63-in-california) [Cucumbers with Salmonella - 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