Salmonella Outbreak Leads to Criminal Investigation

The FDA has initiated a criminal investigation into the Georgia plant at the center of the recent salmonella outbreak. The Blakely, Georgia plant of the Peanut Corporation of America, is the source of peanut butter and peanut paste linked to more than 500 cases of salmonella in 43 states and Canada. At least 8 deaths are thought to be connected to the salmonella outbreak. Peanut Corporation of America is headquartered in Virginia, but has plants in Texas and Georgia. Because of the company’s various locations, it is unclear which state may have jurisdiction to investigate it. Recently, the recall of peanut butter and peanut paste from Peanut Corporation of America, was expanded. Though the recall is not thought to affect brand name peanut butter, peanut paste is used in cookies, candies, ice cream, cakes and other snacks. Due to the salmonella outbreake, several companies that make such snack foods, have recalled products made with peanut paste from Peanut Corporation of America.