The salmonella bacteria that has sickened more than 400 people in
Minnesota and 42 other states, including Virginia, has been linked
conclusively to peanut butter, Minnesota health officials said
yesterday.
Federal officials said the outbreak may have contributed to three
deaths but did not say where they had occurred. They also raised the
number of confirmed cases to 410.
Virginia cases: Three children under the age of 10 are among 12
people in Virginia sickened in the outbreak. A Virginia Department
of Health spokesman said the cases have been reported across the
state, including three in Northern Virginia.
Genetic match: Minnesota officials said last week they had found
salmonella bacteria in a 5-pound package of King Nut peanut butter
at a nursing facility.
Officials tested the bacteria during the weekend and found a
genetic match with the strain that has led to illnesses across the
country.
Two brands affected: King Nut Cos. of Solon, Ohio, on Sunday
asked its customers to stop using peanut butter under its King Nut
and Parnell's Pride brands with a lot code that begins with the
numeral "8."
Limited distribution: However, company president and chief
executive Martin Kanan said yesterday that King Nut could not be the
source of the nationwide outbreak because the firm distributes only
to seven states - Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, Arizona,
Idaho and New Hampshire.
Lynchburg manufacturer: King Nut's peanut butter was manufactured
by Peanut Corp. of America, based in Lynchburg, Va. President
Stewart Parnell said the company was working with federal
authorities.
No retail sales: The peanut butter was distributed to
establishments such as care facilities, hospitals, schools,
universities and restaurants. King Nut says it was not distributed
for retail sale.
MEMO: State Edition story also in Merlin
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