Eleven salmonella cases reported in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Health is reporting a total of 11 cases of salmonella typhimurium infection among Tennessee residents related to the nationwide outbreak associated with peanut products from Peanut Corporation of America.

Tennessee cases include two from Hamilton County and one each from Sumner, Roane, Greene, Bedford, Washington, McMinn, Shelby, Knox and Claiborne counties.

All Tennessee patients have recovered from their illnesses.

TDOH is continuing to work with federal and state health department authorities on this investigation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated information on the outbreak and consumer guidance on its Web site. This site includes a link to the Food and Drug Administration’s searchable list of products that have been recalled

due to this outbreak. Consumers may find this information online at www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/.

TDOH reminds consumers to follow these safety tips:

• Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.

• Use FDA’s online database to check if foods you’re concerned about are on the recall list.

• Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream until more information becomes available about which brands may be affected.

• Call the consumer hotline phone number that may be on any product packaging you have to get information directly from the product manufacturer.

• Consult with your health care provider if you think you may have become ill from eating peanut butter or peanut products.

For more information on this outbreak including symptoms of salmonella infection, as well as information on other recalls, visit the TDOH Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/salmonella.shtml.

Staff reports