Sunland Inc., the company behind the recent Salmonella epidemic, has expanded its recall list to 240 products, meanwhile 35 people nationwide have fell ill from its products in 19 states, resulting in 9 hospitalizations.
Cases have been reported in the following states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
The outbreak was originally tied to Trader Joe's Creamy Slated Valencia Peanut Butter, but eventually expanded to include tahini, cashew butters, and blanched and roasted peanut products. Chocolate Butter, Banana Butter, and Thai Ginger Butter are included in the newest additions.
As of this writing, 63% of all victims are under the age of 10, and have been known to consume Sunland nut butter products made between March 1, 2010 and September 24, 2012. The CDC's latest update notes that 75% of ill patients interviewed shopped at Trader Joe's, 100% of them had eaten Trader Joe's peanut butter, 90% of them had eaten Trader Joe's Valencia, and 10% of them had eaten Trader Joe's Valencia Peanut Butter with Roasted Flaxseed.
On its official site, the FDA announced on Friday "that environmental samples taken in the Sunland Inc. nut butter production facility show the presence of Salmonella. Further analysis to identify the type of Salmonella is pending. Environmental samples are taken from various surfaces in the production or manufacturing facility that would likely harbor bacteria."
Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. Typically, illness passes after four to seven days. In rare cases, Salmonella has been known to produce arthritis, endocarditis, and arterial infections.
For a full list of recalled items, click here.