Peanut butter recall: CDC confirms salmonella found

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted February 23, 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.

One week after the nationwide peanut butter recall of Peter Pan and certain Walmart Great Value jars, federal investigators have confirmed that salmonella was found in some of the returned bottles.  Several lawsuits have already been filed and consumers who were hospitalized as a result of the illness should contact a food poisoning lawyer to make sure that they protect their interests in financial compensation which may be available.

>>INFORMATION: Peter Pan peanut butter recall

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several opened jars of the recalled peanut butter manufacturered by ConAgra Foods, Inc. have tested positive for Salmonella Tennessee, a strain of the dangerous germ which has caused hundreds of people nationwide to become ill.

There have been reported cases of salmonella sickness after eating the contaminated peanut butter as far back as August 2006, but nearly 60% of the reported illnesses were after December 1, 2006, according to government officials.

PEANUT BUTTER FOOD POISONING LAWSUITS

Peanut butter lawsuits have been filed in several states on behalf of people who have suffered serious injury or died after eating the contaminated peanut butter.  Thousands more have contacted qualified food poisoning lawyers to make sure that their legal rights are protected.

RECALL INFORMATION

ConAgra Foods, Inc. is offering a refund of the purchase price for salmonella contaminated jars. However, individuals who were hospitalized as a result of salmonella related illness should speak with an attorney before seeking a refund. >>REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

For those who do not intend to pursue a peanut butter lawsuit, a refund can be obtained by returning the product to the place of purchase or mailing the lid together with your name and address to:

ConAgra Foods,
P.O. Box 3768, Omaha, NE 68103

Although government officials have not yet confirmed any deaths as a result of the contaminated peanut butter, at least two families are claiming that a relative died from the food poisoning.

A peanut butter lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in Pennsylvania on behalf of an elderly woman who died in January 2007 after several months of sickness.  According to the lawsuit filed against ConAgra Foods,  Inc., the woman and her husband became sick in November after eating the contaminated peanut butter.  She subsequently passed away while in the hospital from a bacterial infection that developed.

Another death was reported by the Illinois Lake County News-Sun this week, indicating that a 77 year old man with a weak immune system died as a result of the peanut butter.  Within a few hours after eating some of the contaminated peanut butter, he experienced diarrhea, vomiting, fever and other signs of salmonella, which ultimately led to his death from pulmonary arrest.

Government officials are continuing to investigate how salmonella got into the peanut butter and why it was not properly tested before being sold to consumers.  It appears likely that the peanut butter was contaminated as a result of unsanitary conditions at the plant, dirty jars or improperly maintained equipment.

The salmonella food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential peanut butter lawsuits for individuals who have suffered illness requiring hospital treatment after eating the contaminated Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter.  If you, a friend or family member believe you may have a claim, you can determine if you may be entitled to additional compensation by requesting a free consultation.

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