Peanut butter salmonella continues to sicken Americans

By Eric Saiontz
Posted May 31, 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.

Since the recall of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter in February 2007, the CDC has continued to receive reports of new infections.  While Federal health officials indicate that the rate of new infections has tapered off as people discard the jars, many Americans remain unaware that all jars with a product code starting with 2111 should be tossed.  Additional cases continue to surface as old jars are pulled from the back of the pantry to make a peanut butter sandwich by uninformed consumers.

>>INFORMATION: Peanut butter salmonella recall

Currently the number of reported salmonella infections confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is 628.  However, our attorneys who are investigating lawsuits for those injured believe that the true number of people who have suffered from the peanut butter recall is likely over 10,000.  Our recall lawyers have been contacted by many people who suffered salmonella food poisoning after eating the contaminated peanut butter, and the vast majority of those sicknesses were never have been reported to the CDC.

The contaminated peanut butter was manufactured by Con Agra Foods, Inc. at their Georgia plant.  As a result of poor plant maintenance, the peanut butter was contaminated with a strain of bacteria known as Salmonella Tennessee.  Salmonella food poisoning often resolves in a few days or a week for most healthy adults.  Those who are elderly, infants or suffer from chronic conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes or a weak immune system, could be more susceptible, resulting in hospitalization, liver damage or even death in some cases.  It appears likely that only the most severe cases are reported and confirmed by the CDC.

SALMONELLA PEANUT BUTTER LAWSUITS

In April 2007, a two month investigation confirmed that a leaky roof and faulty sprinklers at the plant caused the peanut butter salmonella contamination.  Lawsuits are being prepared for users who were injured by the manufacturer’s negligent conduct, and new claims continue to be reviewed by our peanut butter recall lawyers.  If you, a friend or family member suffered serious physical injury requiring medical treatment after consuming Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter, you may be eligible for compensation.  Request a free case evaluation.