Ah, the plot thickens.  Seems like the nationwide salmonella outbreak was something that was bound to happen.  The peanut butter plant in Georgia responsible for the outbreak has a history of cleanliness standard violations.  The plant is no longer in operation.

From New York Times.com

The plant in Georgia that produced peanut butter tainted by salmonella has a history of sanitation lapses and was cited repeatedly in 2006 and 2007 for having dirty surfaces and grease residue and dirt buildup throughout the plant, according to health inspection reports. Inspection reports from 2008 found the plant repeatedly in violation of cleanliness standards.

Inspections of the plant in Blakely, Ga., by the State Agriculture Department found areas of rust that could flake into food, gaps in warehouse doors large enough for rodents to get through, unmarked spray bottles and containers and numerous violations of other practices designed to prevent food contamination.

Here are some of the findings from the State Agriculture Department’s inspection report:

• “The food-contact surfaces of re-work kettle in the butter room department were not properly cleaned and sanitized.”
• “The food-contact surfaces of the bulk oil roast transfer belt” in a particular room “were not properly cleaned and sanitized. The food-contact surfaces of pan without wheels in the blanching department were not properly cleaned and sanitized.”
• “clean peanut butter buckets stored uncovered,”
• “wiping cloth” to “cover crack on surge bin”

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