Personal Injury Law

Salmonella Contamination Confirmed at Peanut Corporation of America Georgia Facility

By Jessica Smagacz

The recent salmonella outbreak has sickened hundreds of people nationwide and killed about six people. Now, the most recent news is that Peanut Corporation of America’s facility in Georgia has been confirmed to have salmonella contamination.

Investigations started after Minnesota health officials found salmonella bacteria in a five pound tub under the label of King Nut, manufactured by the Peanut Corporation of America.

The focus of the investigation was on the Peanut Corporation of America and peanut butter. The Washington Post reports that the investigation is now broader, focusing on peanut butter, baked goods and other products that contain peanuts. Apparently, health officials say about one-third of those who have gotten sick do not recall eating peanut butter. The main focus is on peanut paste (ground peanuts) produced at the Georgia facility owned by the Peanut Corporation of America. The company used past in dozens of products, ranging from baked goods to cooking sauces. Companies are being urged to test their products or pull them from shelves as Kellogg did.

Companies such as Hy-Vee Inc recalled all products with the peanut butter ingredient used in their baking products. Hy-Vee’s peanut ingredient is from the Peanut Corporation of America. They are doing this as a precautionary measure. Another company is Perry’s Ice Cream who recalled select peanut butter ice cream products.

As discussed in our previous post: Peanut Corporation of America Recalls Peanut Butter produced in its Georgia facility, the Peanut Corporation recalled 21 lots of peanut butter made at the plant since July 1st. But this past Friday, the Peanut Corporation of America expanded the voluntary recall to include all peanut butter produced at the Georgia plant since August 8th and all peanut paste produced since September 26th. The processing of peanut butter at this facility has been suspended for now.

Washington Post reports that the Georgia plant will also be closed immediately for continuing investigation.

Salmonella poisoning can become a dangerous sickness. If you have eaten peanut butter, look out for these symptoms of salmonella: Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

These symptoms can last from 12 to 72 hours after a person is infected. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the salmonella infection is “usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample.” The sickness usually lasts four to seven days. Salmonella can also spread from “the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. In some cases, treatment is necessary. Food injury is not to be taken lightly.

If you or someone close to you has salmonella poisoning, you may want to contact the attorneys at Childers & Schlueter, LLP to see how they can help protect your legal rights.

Full post as published by Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer on January 18, 2009 (boomark / email).