Wonderful Pistachios Outbreak Lawsuit
On March 10, 2016, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that consumers do not eat and retailers do not sell pistachios produced by Wonderful Pistachios due to the risk of contracting a Salmonella infection. This warning came after an outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections, which the CDC, multiple states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have traced back to the nut company.
Eleven Sickened by Salmonella Montevideo Infections After Eating Wonderful Pistachios
These agencies reported that their “collaborative investigative efforts […] indicate that pistachios produced by Wonderful Pistachios are a likely source of this outbreak.” At this point, eleven people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from nine states. Two of these eleven ill people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Pistachios Outbreak Details
In interviws with some of the people sickened, eight out of nine interviewed (89%) reported eating pistachios in the week before becoming ill. Five out of eight ill people (63%) reported eating Wonderful brand pistachios.
According to the CDC Outbreak Report, illnesses started on dates ranging from December 12, 2015 to February 9, 2016. Ill people range in age from 9 years to 69, with a median age of 31. Seventy-three percent of ill people are male.
Investigation of the Pistachios Outbreak
The CDC used laboratory testing to isolate the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo from samples of raw pistachios. The sampled pistachios were collect from Paramount Farms, where Wonderful pistachios are grown.
This Salmonella Montevideo found in the pistachio samples were also closely related genetically to isolates from people sickened. According to the CDC, “this close genetic relationship provides additional evidence that ill people in this outbreak became ill from consuming pistachios produced by Wonderful Pistachios.”
Wonderful Pistachios Recall
This outbreak report was preceded by a March 9, 2016 recall. On March 9, 2016, Wonderful Pistachios of Lost Hills, California recalled a limited number of flavors and sizes of in-shell and shelled pistachios because due to the possibility for the product to be contaminated with Salmonella. The FDA provided the following recall details:
- The pistachios were sold under the brand names Wonderful, Paramount Farms, and Trader Joe’s, and were sold nationwide and in Canada, Mexico, and Peru.
- Products can be identified by a lot code number that can be found on the lower back or bottom panel of the package.
- Products have a long shelf life and may still be in people’s homes.
View the full recall details here.
Contact The Weinberg Law Firm for a Free Wonderful Pistachios Outbreak Lawsuit Consultation
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with salmonellosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of Salmonella infection, or have a question regarding the Wonderful Pistachios Outbreak Lawsuit and your legal rights, you can request a free legal consultation by calling The Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. For over 30 years Weinberg Law Firm has represented personal injury victims, obtaining over $800 million on behalf of clients.
Salmonella Symptoms
Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning (salmonellosis) may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms usually appear within 6 to 72 hours after eating a Salmonella contaminated food.
Salmonella Complications
Most people recover within 4-7 days; however, severe diarrhea and/or vomiting may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance requiring rehydration with intravenous fluids. In the most severe cases, the bacteria may spread from the intestines to the blood stream (septicemia) and other body sites. This can result in death, unless the person receives immediate antibiotic therapy. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to suffer the severe effects of salmonellosis.
Diagnosis of Salmonella Food Poisoning
If you suspect that you have contracted Salmonella, or are experiencing food poisoning symptoms, contact your healthcare professional. He or she can order a stool culture to confirm Salmonella food poisoning. Let your doctor know if you have consumed a product known to be contaminated with Salmonella. A blood or tissue sample may be required if doctors suspect that the infection has entered the blood stream.
