Hundreds of Peanut Butter Consumers Fell Sick Leading to Criminal Probe

According to the Chicago Tribune, the recent peanut butter recall that sickened about 576 individuals killing eight and affecting hundreds of victims across 45 states is also  accountable for recalling more than 400 hundred products, including products of peanut butter especially made for dogs, forcing recall for pet owners as well.

On January 13, the initial recall occurred from a manufacturing plant in Blakely, Georgia after hundreds of companies who got the bulk shipments of peanut butter from the PCA (Peanut Corp. of America) suspected an outbreak of peanut butter containing salmonella. On January 27, the United States Food and Drug Administration confirmed the risk associated with salmonella. This decision came in response after the FDA investigation team visited the plant on January 9. This investigation lasted for more than two weeks.

The usage of peanut butter sickened more than 400 people across 45 states and resulted in deaths of approximately ten Americans until the recall began on January 13. Nearly, half of those affected included children.

According to the FDA public health advisory and an article published in The New York Times, there was continual recall of peanut butter products as the investigations of the FDA continued, however, on January 28; PCA announced the voluntary recall of another peanut butter product. This recall included the peanut butter products made over the period of past two years including peanut butter shipped ranging of sizes from five pounds to 1,800 pounds. By January 28, about 500 people were affected across 50 states.

After second recall on January 30, the United States Food and Drug Administration announced to implement a criminal probe to investigate the Blakely, Georgia plant that is now closed.  It also announced an investigation against the Peanut Corp. of America that included findings that the company failed to follow the process of testing the peanut butter for salmonella. In addition, the company distributed peanut butter that tested positive for salmonella and the butter that was never tested for contaminants.

According to the FDA investigation records, PCA faced another blow on February 5 when FDA posted an amendment in its investigation that the information provided by The Peanut Corp. of America during the inspection was not consistent with the analysis of the company’s record. In simple words, FDA discovered that the PCA falsified records during initial investigation.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the company has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.” However, on February 11, Wednesday, the president and owner of the PCA, Stewart Parnell, scheduled to testify before the House, Energy, and Commerce Committee, a governing body conducting criminal probe against PCA. Meanwhile, the company continues to recall the peanut butter products; however, the number of individuals affected by consuming tainted peanut butter product still rises.

Legal Assistance for Peanut Butter Recall

Individuals affected by the salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention if in case their symptoms worsen and the salmonella infection causes further damage to a victim.

Additionally, it is important for a salmonella affected victim to contact a peanut butter recall attorney who will help in developing a peanut butter lawsuit so that you may get some monetary compensation for the lost wages and medical expenses.

In most of the cases, salmonella heals on its own. However, individuals at risk of death and jobless for missing office due to unexpected illness infecting other people with their ailment as well as the onset of other side effects which may last for a longer period depending upon an individual’s immunity. There is high possibility that peanut butter recall victim may receive monetary compensation for the dangerous side effects of salmonella poisonings. Therefore, it becomes important for a salmonella victim to meet a lawyer and get free legal consultation for filing a lawsuit.