Major Food Poisoning in the US

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA has attributed more than 500 food poisoning cases across at least 43 states, to a type of Salmonella in peanut butter and paste made by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) plant in Virginia.

The first cases appeared at the beginning of September, with the majority then occurring between October and December 2008. To date the FDA has also linked eight deaths to this food poisoning event. Those whose immune system is weakened have been more at risk.

The typical symptoms of Salmonella typhimurium are fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. The symptom onset is usually within 72 hours and can last for up to seven days for a healthy adult.

The affected product is only sold in large tubs for use in Hospitals, Aged Care Centres, hospitality businesses or for further processing as an ingredient in factories. The manufacturer has implemented a voluntary product recall across the US. More than 125 products, including; cookies, ice cream, cakes and even pet food, are being recalled by dozens of food companies throughout the country as a result. The FDA has set up on their website, a searchable list of recalled products containing the affected material.

This type of Salmonella is a very common cause of food poisoning but is not usually associated with peanut butter or paste, as the roasting process should kill it. However the FDA has found that the PCA plant has cleaning problems, and this may be a cause for the outbreak.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand, is obviously monitoring the situation in the US, and will take actions as needed to ensure that food in Australia remains safe and suitable.

More information can be found at www.foodstandards.gov.au or www.fda.gov