Trader Joe’s Recalls Peanut Butter Variety Over Salmonella Concerns

Trader Joe’s corporate officials say they are acting “out of an abundance of caution” and ordering the recall of one type of its house brand peanut butter over salmonella concerns.

“Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter” should not be eaten, the California-based specialty grocery chain said recently.

“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.”

Trader Joe’s has five stores in the metro area, including one in Maple Grove and others in Bloomington, St. Louis Park, St. Paul and Minnetonka. The stores are often considered "destination" locations because of the outlet's dedication to organic food and its inexpensive wine varieties. 

The Food and Drug Administration posted the company’s voluntary recall on its website, but did not comment on the company’s statement.

The potential salmonella contamination could cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly or others with compromised immune systems. Healthy persons who get infected with salmonella experience fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and a most unpleasant distress of the lower
intestinal system.

Trader Joe’s is offering refunds.

—City News Service contributed to this report.