Salmonella in Peanut Spreads?

Salmonellas are bacteria that are responsible for many illnesses both in human and other animals. These groups of bacteria live in the intestines of mammals, birds as well as reptiles. They are transmitted to people when they eat foods that are contaminated with salmonella. Contaminated foods usually originate from animals, like beef, poultry, milk or eggs and even fruits and vegetables, can be contaminated.

Salmonella bacteria can be acquired through eating raw foods, such as raw meat, raw eggs, and other animal products like milk and cheese. You can also be infected by touching other mammals that have the bacteria on their hands.

Effects of Salmonella

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• abdominal cramps and fever
• food poisoning
• typhoid fever

These illnesses usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without any treatment. Drink plenty of liquids especially with young children and elderly people to replace lost body fluids during infection. In many cases, patients are given intravenous fluids that are usually done in hospitals.

BFAD tests on some local peanut spreads appears to be possitive in salmonella bacteria. At the moment, it is advisable not to use such spreads to prevent you from acquiring salmonella bacteria.  Better safe than sorry.