The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, reported that a total of 42 persons were infected with the foodborne pathogen Salmonella Bredeney as a result of eating contaminated peanut butter. Sixty-one percent of the outbreak victims were children under 10 years of age. Reported illness onset dates ranged from June 14, 2012 to September 21, 2012.
Nationwide Recall of Sunland Products
Public health officials determined that this 20 state outbreak was linked to Trader Joe’s Valencia Peanut Butter, manufactured by Sunland, Inc. of Portales, New Mexico.
Following an inspection of the Sunland manufacturing plant, the FDA issued a Form 483(dated November 14, 2012) citing numerous plant conditions that were capable of contributing to product contamination and the growth of microorganisms. Ultimately, the FDA suspended Sunland, Inc.’s food facility registration, thus prohibiting the company from introducing food into interstate or intrastate commerce.
This outbreak led to numerous Sunland seed and nut product recalls.
Salmonella Food Poisoning (Salmonellosis) Symptoms
The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to suffer severe illness following Salmonella food poisoning.
Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms usually appear within 12-72 hours after the ingestion of contaminated food.
In more severe cases, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and other body sites. This can result in death, unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
A Stool Culture May Confirm Salmonella Food Poisoning
If you suspect that you have contracted Salmonella, or are experiencing food poisoning symptoms, contact your doctor. He or she can order a stool culture to confirm Salmonella infection if appropriate.
Salmonella Food Poisoning Lawsuit Help
The Law Firm of Eric Weinberg has helped victims of peanut butter food poisoning outbreaks nationwide, including the Peter Pan (ConAgra) and Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) outbreaks. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with food poisoning and have a question regarding your legal rights you can request a free food poisoning lawsuit evaluation by calling the Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274.
