Salmonella Alert

With the recent events involving Salmonella outbreaks, Messa & Associates would like to inform our clients and associates about the importance of educating yourself, the precautions to take in order to avoid Salmonella poisoning, and steps to take if you or someone you know is effected by this outbreak.

As of January 22, 2009, 491 persons have been infected with salmonella in 43 states. Reports say that illness began as early as September 14, 2008 and have been reported through January 8, 2009. Patients range from ages 1-98, with almost half of them being female. Among the infected, reports say that this outbreak may have caused a total of 7 deaths.

Peanut butter has been pinned as the likely source that is causing the infection. According to CDC.Gov, 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. It is important to also monitor and check your pets food and treats, as they might be infected as well.

King Nut is produced by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) in Blakely, Georgia. This facility, which is no longer producing any products, has expanded its recall to include all peanut butter and peanut paste produced at this plant since July 1, 2008. Peanut butter and peanut butter paste 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.


If you feel that you may be experiencing Salmonella-like symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately. It is important to be aware of the types of foods that may have the contaminated peanut butter, especially when eating out, or if you have pre-packaged food at home.

For more information, please contact someone at Messa & Associates at 215.568.3500.