Salmonella cases linked to peanut butter

Minnesota public health officials say one Twin Cities-area resident has been sickened as part of a 19-state salmonella outbreak. A total of 30 cases nationwide have been linked to peanut butter sold under the Trader Joe's brand.

The illnesses have been specifically linked to "Trader Joes' Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter with Sea Salt." But Minnesota Department of Health Epidemiologist Carlota Medus said the peanut butter's manufacturer has now recalled dozens of products that may be contaminated with salmonella.

"Sunland Inc. has pretty extensive recall of products that are made of the same plant and Minnesotans should not eat those products either even though they have not been linked to the outbreak at this point," Medus said.

No deaths have been reported with the outbreak. One person who was hospitalized did report eating the Trader Joe's-brand peanut butter in the week prior to becoming sick.

"The person was hospitalized but they're doing fine now," Medus said.

Information on the salmonella strain associated with outbreak and list of the recalled products can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

In addition to several more brands of peanut butter, the voluntary product recall includes almond butter, cashew butter, tahini and roasted blanched peanut products.

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