Food Recall: Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter

Sep 24, 2012

Possible Salmonella Contamination Forces Product Recall [U.S]

A voluntary food recall has been issued by Trader Joe’s for their Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, over possible salmonella contamination according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recalled product in question is sold in 16_oz plastic jars with an expiration date stamped below the lid.

The recalled peanut butter was distributed nationwide and currently is thought to be responsible for 29 cases of Salmonella poisoning in at least 18 states, with more than three-quarters of the reported illnesses in children under the age of 18. There have been no reported deaths. People reported illness between June 11 and September 2 2012.

The company has removed all the potentially affected peanut butter from their shelves. "We have no confirmed information that suggests this peanut butter is unsafe to eat," the company stated. But the food should not be eaten "pending health-related inquiries."

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.