Peter pan peanut butter recall as a result of salmonella

By Eric Saiontz
Posted February 18, 2007

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UPDATE 1/12/2009: Another peanut butter recall has been issued by King Nut Companies for large tubs of peanut butter distributed to hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other food service institutions, which may be contaminated with salmonella.

Jars of Peter Pan peanut butter and Wal-mart brand peanut butter were recently recalled after it was discovered that they may be contaminated with salmonella which sickened hundreds of people nationwide.  Potential salmonella lawsuits are being reviewed nationwide, as the investigation into the cause of the contamination continues.  >>REQUEST A FREE CLAIM EVALUATION

>>INFORMATION: Peanut butter food poisoning lawsuits

Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include high fever, persistent diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, abdominal cramps and pain.  While most adults recover from salmonella poisoning within a matter of days or weeks, those with weak immune systems or those who are elderly or very young are more susceptible to serious injury which could result in hospitalization or death.  In severe cases, salmonella can invade the blood stream and cause life-threatening infections.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been no deaths reported yet as a result of the salmonella peanut butter contamination.  At least 300 cases of serious illness have been reported, but that number is expected to increase dramatically as more people who were sickened become aware that their problems may have been caused by the contaminated peanut butter.

PETER PAN PEANUT BUTTER LAWSUITS

The peanut butter salmonella outbreak has been linked to jars manufactured by ConAgra Foods, Inc.  The peanut better was sold under the brand name “Peter Pan” and as the store-brand at some Wal-Mart stores.  All of the contaminated jars contain a product code beginning with “2111”, which indicates that they were manufactured at the same plant in Georgia.

Government officials have confirmed that they are confident the peanut butter manufactured at this plant is the source of most of the reported cases of sickness.  Regulators at the FDA and CDC are now inspecting the plant and focusing on the testing that is done before the product is sold.

It appears likely that negligence on the part of the manufacturer is the cause of the salmonella contamination in the peanut butter and that sicknesses suffered by hundreds of people nationwide could have been prevented.  During normal production, peanuts are processed and heated at temperatures high enough to kill any dangerous germs.  However, salmonella contamination can be caused during the packaging or bottling process as a result of unsanitary conditions, dirty jars or improperly maintained equipment.

The manufacturers have advised consumers to throw away any contaminated jars.  However, if serious injuries have been suffered after eating the defective peanut butter, the food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are recommending that the remainder of the jar be safely stored out of the reach of children so that it may be tested if a food poisoning lawsuit is pursued.  Before storing the peanut butter, it should be placed inside a large zip-lock bag with clear markings on the outside that it should not be consumed.  If no injuries were caused by the contaminated peanut butter, or if you do not intend to investigate a case, then there is no need to store the product, and it should be disposed of.

If you, a friend or family member have been hospitalized or received medical treatment as a result of sickness suffered after eating Peter Pan peanut butter or Wal-mart brand peanut butter, you may be entitled to compensation.  Request a free claim evaluation.