Trader Joe's Recalls Peanut Butter Over Salmonella Concerns

Trader Joe’s corporate officials say they are acting “out of an abundance of caution” and ordering the recall of one type of its house brand peanut butter over salmonella concerns.

“Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter” should not be eaten, the Monrovia-based specialty grocery chain said to City News Service, a southern California-based wire service.

“We have no confirmed information that suggests this peanut butter is unsafe to eat,” the company stated to City News Service. But the food should not be eaten “pending health-related inquiries.”

Trader Joe’s has several locations in the DC area, including Chevy Chase, Silver Spring and Foggy Bottom.

In advance of this recall, Trader Joe’s removed the product from all store shelves.

The recalled Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter was distributed to Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. The product comes in a 16-ounce, plastic jar with an expiration date of stamped below the lid. All code dates are included in this recall.

Production and distribution of the item has been suspended while the FDA and the Valencia Peanut Butter supplier continue their investigations.

The FDA posted the company’s voluntary recall on its website, but did not comment on the company’s statement.

The potential salmonella contamination could cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly or others with compromised immune systems. Healthy persons who get infected with salmonella experience fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and a most unpleasant distress of the lower
intestinal system.

Customers who have purchased this item are urged to not eat the product, and to dispose of it or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817.

Information provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.