US peanuts and Salmonella outbreak
31 March 2009
The United States is reporting a large outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium food-borne illness linked with the consumption of peanut butter and other peanut products. This outbreak is associated with peanut butter, peanut paste and other peanut products manufactured at the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) in the United States. A large number of manufacturers in the United States are recalling associated peanut containing food products such as, peanut butter, peanut paste, crackers, ice cream, cookie dough, confectionery, energy bars, curry products/sauces, bakery products and pet foods. Currently 3868 products are subject to a voluntary recall in the United States.
FSANZ worked with the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to identify potentially affected product in Australia.
On the 20th January 2009, the USFDA confirmed that a brand of frozen cookie dough manufactured in the US, linked to the outbreak and subject to a US recall, has been exported to Australia. All of the imported product has been recovered and destroyed.
On the 30 January 2009, the USFDA advised that a brand of protein bar containing peanut butter, subject to the US recall, had been exported to Australia via an importer in Queensland. Queensland Health subsequently confirmed that distribution did not take place in its jurisdiction. A further importer identified in Victoria advised that the entire affected product in that State had been withdrawn.
On 3 February 2009, FSANZ was advised that a trail mix product, Ocean Spray 170g Fruit & Nut Trail Mix, subject to a recall in the US, had been distributed in Australia. Testing of the product for Salmonella in Australia was negative, but the company has decided to withdraw the product from sale as a precaution.
On 18 February 2009, FSANZ was advised of a nutritional bar, Zone Perfect Caramel Cluster bar (all sizes and quantities), which was subject to a voluntary recall in the US had been distributed in Australia. The importer has conducted a voluntary withdrawal as a precaution.
Also on 18 February 2009, FSANZ was advised on a nutritional bar product namely Bounce Premium Protein Balls which have been voluntary withdrawn as a precaution. Additional batch codes were also identified in late March due to the expanded recall from the PCA Texas plant and have also been withdrawn.
On 19 February 2009, the USFDA advised FSANZ that a further nutritional bar subject to a recall in the US, OPTIFAST Honey Nut 'n Oat Nutritional Bars has been distributed to Australia. This product has been withdrawn from the marketplace.
FSANZ has worked with the International Food Safety Authorities Network, Australian Customs Service, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the Food and Beverage Importers Association, the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Australian importers and, at this stage; no additional affected imported products have been identified. FSANZ will continue to monitor the ongoing investigation.