Peanut Problems

Most outbreaks with peanuts involve Salmonella & are non-foodservice related. Types of Salmonella linked to peanut butter are Tennessee, Typhimurium, Bredeney, and Braenderup.

The situation:
Salmonella is a significant cause of illness for Americans. Symptoms involve diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.

The foods involved:
Peanut butter and peanut-containing foods

Hazards: infecting humans &/or animals with Salmonella

CDC Risk Factors

• Contaminated equipment
• Poor employee hygiene
• Food from an unsafe source

First Reported Outbreak

• Occured in 2007
• Salmonella Tennesse
• Peter Pan, Great Value
• 425 persons, 44 states 

Prevention: Don't eat recalled products; throw away remaining product

Critical control:
Roast peanuts before making peanut butter; ensure equipment and containers are sanitized

Discussion: How do you take preventative measures against a ready-to-eat food?

Discussion: Why is Salmonella the most common infection in peanut products?

A Haiku for You:


Peanuts can kill you
Man, I had no idea
Check for recalls, folks