Salmonella Outbreak in Peanuts Spreads to Federal Criminal Investigation

Besides spreading bacterial contamination blamed for causing at least eight deaths and about 529 illnesses across the United States, the growing peanut-salmonella outbreak has now also spawned a criminal investigation into its source.

Federal health officials have opened a criminal investigation into the actions of the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), the Blakely, Georgia peanut processer accused of knowingly selling contaminated peanut butter and peanut products to major food manufacturers such as Kellogg, Trader Joe’s, and Nutrisystem.

The raw materials provided by PCA were used in hundreds of consumer products, ranging from ice cream and cookies to dog treats and nutritional bars. Most major, national brands of jarred peanut butter sold in grocery stores across the United States are still considered safe, since PCA is not known to have supplied raw materials or peanut butter to those companies. However, some smaller “boutique” brands of peanut butter, such as those made and sold in local stores, may not be safe, officials cautioned.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Justice Department are joining forces to investigate PCA for possible criminal conduct, officials said. Word that a criminal investigation was underway, a fact normally kept under wraps until charges are brought, was announced after several high-ranking members of Congress angrily called for such an inquiry into PCA.

One of the Largest Food Recalls in U.S. History

The ongoing salmonella recall now ranks as one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history, covering more than 400 consumer products with even more recalls expected as the investigation continues. PCA has extended the initial recall, which only covered products produced since July 2008. The new, expanded recall covers all items the company produced as far back as 2007.

Earlier Shipments Were Contaminated

The FDA also said that in April 2008, a shipment of peanut products from PCA was stopped at the U.S.-Canada border because it was found to contain metal shavings. The shipment could not be cleaned sufficiently for the products to continue on the way to their destination, so the contaminated peanuts were destroyed a few months later, the FDA said.

Following that incident, the FDA asked state food safety inspectors in Georgia to follow up at the plant and make sure no more metal shavings or fragments ended up in peanuts. It was unclear if that follow-up investigation ever took place or what, if any, findings were made.

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