Nationwide grocery store Trader Joe’s has voluntarily recalled its one peanut butter after cases of Salmonella were reported.

Trader Joe’s “Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter” has been linked to 29 salmonella incidents in 18 states. The grocery chain released a statement on its Web site on September 21 saying, “We have no confirmed information that suggests this peanut butter is unsafe to eat, but there is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers and crew, and the quality of our products.” They also stated that consumers are encouraged to return the peanut butter for a full refund, or they should dispose of it.

There have been no deaths related to this outbreak of salmonella. Common symptoms of salmonella include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk for developing symptoms of salmonella.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, November 2012, online 9/24/12

Update: 9/26/12

Sunland Inc. has expanded its recall to all nut butters made at its New Mexico plant between May and September 2012. The recall now includes almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, tahini and roasted blanched peanut products. Additional brands affected by the recall include Sprout's Market, Earth Balance and Sunland Organic. A complete list is available here.

The voluntary recall began after reports of 29 individuals made ill from salmonella-contaminated products between June 11, 2012 and September 2, 2012. Eighteen states have been affected thus far, including Washington, California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (September 22, 2012).