Veggie Booty recall due to salmonella food poisoning
The FDA announced a nationwide Veggie Booty recall as a result of salmonella food poisoning reported in at least 17 states. The green-colored snack food marketed by Robert’s American Gourmet has been associated with at least 52 cases of illness, most of them occurring in young children.
>>UPDATE (7/3/07): Super Veggie Tings Recall Added
VEGGIE BOOTY SNACK RECALL
Veggie Booty Snack Food is sold throughout the United States in supermarkets, health food stores, vending machines and on the internet. It is available in small individual plastic-foil bags which are packaged in 4 oz., 1oz and 1/2 oz. sizes.
The Veggie Booty recall applies to all lots, codes and expiration dates, as the products could be contaminated with the Salmonella Wandsworth strain of the bacteria. At this time, the recall only applies to the Veggie Booty flavor snacks manufactured by Robert’s American Gourmet. Other flavors and varieties have not been associated with salmonella contamination.
Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States. Earlier this year it was associated with thousands of cases of food poisoning after jars of Peter Pan peanut butter were contaminated. Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include high fever, diarrhea (often bloody), dehydration, vomiting, abdominal cramps and pain.
While most healthy adults recover from illness within a few days, salmonella can pose a much greater risk for young children, elderly and those with weak immune systems. In severe cases, the food poisoning can lead to infection of the bloodstream which could result in permanent and life-threatening illnesses, such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
The Veggie Booty recall is particularly troubling, since the snack food is very popular among children under 2 years old. These children are very susceptible to severe salmonella food poisoning. Almost all of the reported cases associated with this recall have involved children under 10 years old, with most of them being toddlers.
The FDA has advised consumers not to eat any Robert’s American Gourmet Veggie Booty Snack Foods, and to seek immediate medical attention if any symptoms of food poisoning are seen. They are also asking that any illnesses which occur after eating Veggie Booty be reported to state or local health authorities.
VEGGIE BOOTY RECALL LAWSUITS
The food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. are reviewing potential Veggie Booty recall lawsuits for individuals who have required medical treatment for illness suffered after eating the snack food. To determine if you, your child or family member may be eligible for compensation, request a food poisoning claim evaluation.
