Personal Injury Law

Chicago Family Files Peanut Butter Lawsuit

WBBM's Bob Roberts reports that a South Shore family Tuesday became the first to file suit in Cook County Circuit Court against Con-Agra Foods over salmonella contracted from tainted peanut butter.

The lawsuit was filed by Chicago attorneys Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C.

"That's all it takes when you have food poisoning from salmonella," said attorney Chris Hurley. "One peanut butter sandwich will do it."

When Con-Agra recalled Peter Pan and Great Value-brand peanut butter bearing the code "2111" on the lid earlier this month, Hurley said the woman checked her cabinet and found a recalled jar.

Hurley said the single, stay-at-home mother required rehydration at an area hospital, and the children missed more than a week of school. Hurley said all suffer residual effects, including moderate cramping.

Public health officials have documented more than 300 cases in 39 states since last August. The recall covers all peanut butter made at Con-Agra Foods' Sylvester, Ga., plan since August 2006.

Hurley said the family decided to file the suit to try to force Con-Agra to take greater care in the future.

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog on February 21, 2007 (boomark / email).