Peanut Butter Recall Sickens Hundreds, Criminal Probe Continues

The recent recall of peanut butter that had sickened approximately 575 individuals - killing at least eight - affecting victims across 43 states, according to the Chicago Tribune, is also responsible for the recall of more than 400 products, including peanut butter foods that have been made for dogs, prompting recalls for pet-owners as well.

The Blakely, Georgia, manufacturing plant implemented the initial recall on January 13 from the Peanut Corp. of America (PCA) reported a suspected outbreak of peanut butter containing salmonella. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the risks of the peanut butter during their investigation, which spanned nearly two and a half weeks - from January 9 - 27, according to public health advisory from the FDA.

Nearly 400 individuals had already been victim to the salmonella poisonings by January 13, which was the start of the official recall involving peanut butter produced in the previous six months by the Peanut Corp. of America plant. Those that were sickened were mostly children, at least half; additionally, five fatalities had already occurred as well.

As the investigation of the FDA continued, peanut-butter products continued to be recalled, however, again, on January 28, another peanut butter recall occurred as part of a voluntary move by the PCA, according to an article from The New York Times and an FDA public health advisory. This time, the recall included products made over the previous two years, stemming up to January 1, 2007, and including peanut butter shipped in a range of sizes anywhere from five pounds up to 1,700 pounds to dozens of other food manufacturing companies around the country. By January 28, approximately 500 individuals had been sickened across nearly all 50 states.

Following the announcement of a second recall, on January 30, the FDA announced it would implement a criminal probe to investigate the doings of the Blakely, Georgia plant, which is now closed, as well as allegations against the Peanut Corp. of America, which will include findings that the company did not follow procedures to test the peanut butter for salmonella, that the company sent out peanut butter that tested positive for salmonella, as well as peanut butter that was never tested at all for such contamination.

On February 5, another blow to PCA occurred when the FDA posted an amendment to its initial investigation stating that, information provided during the inspections and provided by the Peanut Corp. of America management was not consistent with the subsequent analysis of the company? records, according to the FDA? investigation records. Meaning that the FDA has found evidence that the Peanut Corporation of America may have allegedly falsified records during the first investigation, according to news reports.

According to the Chicago Tribune, "the company has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing," however, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Stewart Parnell, who is the owner and president of the Peanut Corporation of America will be testifying before officials on the House and Energy and Commerce committee. Meanwhile, most products continue to be recalled, however, the number of individuals still rises and that number does not include the potential hundreds of victims sickened by the contaminated peanut butter who did not report their salmonella poisonings.

Victims Seek Assistance For Peanut Butter Recall

Individuals who have been affected by the salmonella infections are encouraged to seek medical attention in case their symptoms worsen and the infection of the salmonella bacteria causes further harm to a victim.

Additionally, it is imperative that a victim locate a peanut butter recall attorney to learn more about developing a peanut butter recall lawsuit as the ability to retrieve monetary compensation for damages endured by a poison-victim increase when such litigation is developed.

It is common for the bacteria salmonella to heal, although, there are instances when salmonella causes severe side effects and lingers placing an individual at an increased risk for death. By developing a peanut butter recall case, a victim increases their odds for receiving monetary compensation for the damages endured during the salmonella outbreak.