The recent salmonella outburst that infected 500 people in 43 states and it is responsible for the deaths of 8 people has been caused by contaminated peanut butter, shipped by the Peanut Corporation of America. The salmonella strain is the most common of them all, Salmonella Typhimurium and currently there are 2,500 types of salmonella bacteria in the United States.

 The salmonella bacteria was found in a five-pound package of King Nut creamy peanut butter that had been collected from a long-term care facility. An FDA report shows that the PCA was aware of the fact that their products were contaminated, but these were shipped and distributed anyway. On inspection, the factory’s ceiling was covered in mold and the building was infected by roaches.

Hygiene should be the most important factor in such an industry and it is incredible the lack of responsibility and professionalism PCA has shown. Among the symptoms of salmonella there are diarrhea, fever and cramping, the illness usually lasting between four and 7 days.

Annually there are 1.4 million salmonella cases in the US and 400 deaths. Some find it outrageous that such an illness is still making victims in the 21sth century, as it should have been acknowledged by now that hygiene is of an outmost importance.

The salmonella bacteria was found in a five-pound package of King Nut creamy peanut butter that had been collected from a long-term care facility and lab tests on the infected jar match the exact strain of salmonella that affected the whole nation.