The FDA has reported on its investigation into the source of the recent Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. At this time, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say they have traced sources of Salmonella Typhimurium contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste—a concentrated product consisting of ground, roasted peanuts—that are both distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in many commercially produced products including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream. In addition, PCA peanut butter is reportedly distributed to and institutionally served in such settings as long-term care facilities and cafeterias.

The FDA has notified PCA that product samples originating from its Blakely, Georgia processing plant have been tested and found positive for Salmonella by laboratories in the states of Minnesota and Connecticut. Connecticut and Minnesota have reported to FDA that samples of King Nut peanut butter tested in those states are a genetic match to the strain of Salmonella associated with the nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium. The results from the Connecticut Department of Health Laboratory are from an unopened container of King Nut peanut butter.

On January 18, PCA expanded its previous voluntary recall to include more products and lot numbers relating to peanut butter and peanut paste products manufactured on or after July 1, 2008, at its plant because of potential Salmonella contamination. The peanut butter products being recalled are sold by PCA in bulk containers ranging in size from five (5) to 1700 pounds. The peanut paste is sold in sizes ranging from 35-pound containers to product sold by the tanker container. These products are not sold directly to consumers. PCA has stopped all production at its Blakely, Ga. plant as the FDA continues its investigation.

At least 85 companies bought peanut butter and peanut paste produced in the Georgia plant. More than 125 products including cookies, crackers, ice cream and even some pet food have been recalled in connection with the outbreak. Six deaths may be associated with the outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said. The CDC said at least 486 people from 43 states and one person in Canada have been reported ill from the outbreak of the Salmonella typhimurium strain, with 107 of them being hospitalized. Salmonella can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea and fever.

Litigation has ensued, with at least one products liability suit in the Middle District of Georgia.