Contaminated Peanut Butter Recalled Following Salmonella Poisonings

Copyright (c) 2009 Katie Kelley

2009 Peanut Butter Recall

Recently, the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) issued a recall of peanut butter manufactured from its Blakely, Georgia production plant after reports from nearly 500 individuals who had developed salmonella poisoning because of infected peanut butter flooded health officials.

The contaminated peanut butter has caused at least seven known deaths and is expected to continue to affect individuals across the United States as the contaminated peanut butter has been used in several varying products ranging from crackers to cookies. Individuals are advised to avoid consumption of peanut butter containing products. Individuals infected with salmonella due to the contaminated peanut butter can consider locating a peanut butter recall attorney to learn more about the potential for receiving monetary compensation.

What is Salmonella?

The bacteria known as salmonella causes an infection called salmonellosis. Salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "is actually a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illnesses in humans."

According to the CDC, "approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States" each year, however, "because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be thirty or more times greater." Approximately 400 deaths occur each year because of salmonella-related poisonings, additionally, children are most at risk for developing the condition.

Salmonella Causes

Individuals who develop salmonella usually develop the infection by consuming foods that have been "contaminated" with animal feces. The CDC reported the following foods as most common for the onset of salmonella:

* beef

* poultry

* milk

* eggs

While contaminated foods are often of animal origin, nearly any food product can become infected with the bacteria including vegetables and fruits, especially amoang foods with undercooked meats or eggs, such as the following:

* homemade Hollandaise sauce

* Caesar and other homemade salad dressings

* tiramisu

* homemade ice creams

* cookie dough

* frostings

* mayonnaise

* raw or unpasteurized milk/dairy products

Additionally, if an individual handles any of the following animals, he or she may become infected with the bacteria, even if an animal appears healthy and normal:

* chicks/chickens

* young birds

* turtles

* lizards

* snakes

* pets of any kind

While salmonella can be killed by washing hands, if an individual does not properly wash hands or cross-contaminates utensils, such as knives or cutting boards, they may be at risk for exposing others to salmonella poisoning.

Monetary compensation may be an option for victims of salmonella poisoning, especially when the poisoning could have been prevented and was caused by human oversight or error. It is important to discuss a salmonella case with an experienced law firm to learn about the details of a potential salmonella poisoning lawsuit.