Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Implicated In Salmonella Outbreak

This year's depressing run of foodborne illnesses continues with news that Trader Joe's peanut butter has been implicated in 29 cases of Salmonella across multiple states.

According to CNN, the peanut butter in question is Trader Joe's house brand Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt. While no tested samples have as yet come back positive, Trader Joe's has voluntarily recalled the product.

In an announcement Saturday, the CDC called it a "fast-moving outbreak," according to NBC. There have so far been 29 cases across 18 states. Officials say the first cases were noted on June 11 and showed up as recently as September 2, though more recent cases may not have been counted or reported yet. Four people have been hospitalized so far, but no deaths have been reported.

Containers marked with use-by dates of either 5/23/2013 or 6/28/2013 could have been affected. Officials recommend that anybody finding themselves in possession of peanut butter fitting that description throw it away and not eat it.

A statement on Trader Joe's website says the recall is born "out of an abundance of caution" and that the jars can be returned to any Trader Joe's store for a full refund.

According to NBC, officials are currently investigating the possibility that other Trader Joe's products could be linked to the outbreak.