FDA Declares Peanut Butter Recall

According to the Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture officials, a strain of salmonella is responsible for more than 450 peanut butter related illnesses across the country. Lab test conducted on a tainted lot of peanut butter genetically matched to the strain of salmonella identified in the affected patients.

This announcement followed tests in which salmonella bacteria was found in a container of King Peanut Butter collected from an extended – care facility. The Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture officials’ announced about this contamination on January 10, 2009, weeks before tests confirmed the presence of bacteria in the King Peanut butter matching the salmonella found in more than 450 patients across the country.

The United States Food and Drug Administration published a withdrawal released by the Peanut Butter Corporation of America. PCA declared voluntarily withdrawal of peanut butter manufactured at its Blakely, Georgia processing plant, the alleged site of contamination. PCA stated that all the recalled peanut butter products has been sold in bulk to a distributing company, servicing large institutions such as retirement communities, food service industries and school cafeterias. However, no contamination was found in the consumer brands of peanut butter.

This peanut butter recall affected 21 lots of peanut butter manufactured by PCA ranging from four to fifty pounds and various different brand names like Parnell’s pride and King Peanut Butter. All PCA consumers who got peanut butter are contacted via telephone and in writing.

U.S. health officials reacted to this salmonella outbreak by making a task force to recognize the source of contamination. The salmonella outbreak extended to a national level. Forty-three cases of peanut poisoning were reported in 45 states until January 14, 2009.

Salmonella Contagion Continues

This is the second largest salmonella contamination involving peanut butter. In the year 2207, ConAgra Foods declared a withdrawal of its Great Value and Peter Pan peanut butter. The salmonella tainted peanut butter affected more than 500 people in 45 states.

Salmonella is the main culprit in food contamination. The salmonella bacteria are present in the food items containing animal products such as poultry, meat and dairy products. However, the bacteria can be present on any food item that is exposed to tainted source.

However, there have been reports of many outbreaks of contamination on animal products as well as vegetables. Usually, salmonella poisoning causes stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever and symptoms lasting for weeks. In some cases, especially concerning people with weak immune system, elderly and the children, salmonella infection can reach the blood stream and may prove fatal.

Legal Advice

If you have been hospitalized after consuming contaminated peanut butter then immediately seek medical attention. You can also contact an experienced unsafe products attorney to learn more about your legal rights. You may be eligible for monetary compensation for your medical care, lost wages and other expenses associated with the salmonella outbreak.