AP News, April 15th, 2007
Timeline of key events in ConAgra Foods Inc.'s recall of all peanut butter made at its Sylvester, Ga., plant:
August 2006 _ First cases of Salmonella Tennessee, the rare strain linked to this outbreak, are reported.
August 2006 _ Moisture invades ConAgra plant in Sylvester through a roof leak and the building's fire sprinkler system, which goes off twice because of a faulty sprinkler head. Company officials would later blame this moisture for helping salmonella bacteria grow in the plant.
Feb. 14, 2007 _ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announce that the salmonella outbreak is linked to Peter Pan peanut butter. The CDC and state health agencies had noticed a spike in cases of people sickened with the Salmonella Tennessee strain, and interviews with victims revealed peanut butter as a link.
Feb. 14, 2007 _ ConAgra announces a recall of all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter made at the plant. The affected jars all carried a product code beginning with "2111."
Feb. 20, 2007 _ ConAgra estimates that its nationwide recall of peanut butter will cost between $50 million and $60 million.
March 7, 2007 _ CDC announces that 425 people in 44 states have become ill with Salmonella Tennessee. The onset dates for most of those cases range between Aug. 1, 2006, and Feb. 16, 2007. Two-thirds of those cases were reported between Dec. 1 and Feb. 16.
April 5, 2007 _ ConAgra releases findings of its investigation and blames moisture for helping salmonella spread. Company also announces plans to renovate the plant.
