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Peanut Plant in Texas Closes

By Beth Janicek

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) closed its processing plant in Plainview, TX., after laboratory tests indicated a possible salmonella contamination. Fortunately, potentially tainted products were not believed to be sent to consumers. It is not yet known if the salmonella possibly found in the product is the same strain of the bacterium in the 43-state recall. The PCA plant in Blakely, GA. was identified as the source of the nationwide salmonella outbreak that sickened 600 people and has been associated with 8 deaths. Even after investigators determined that the company deliberately shipped contaminated products, officials continued to allow the company’s plant in Texas to continue supplying customers. Because the Texas plant is distinct from the PCA plant in Georgia, the FDA could not take action against the facility until conditions merited intervention.

The Texas plant had not been inspected for four years before last month. Former workers said that the facility was “disgusting” and shared some of the same problems found in the plant in Blakely, GA. A former assistant plant manager of the facility said that the plant had a leaky roof, rodent infestation, and poor process controls. However, state and federal health officials said that they did not have enough evidence to close the Texas plant.

The investigation in Texas is still continuing and it is unsure whether another recall or even an expanded recall will be initiated. The PCA released a statement saying that it was cooperating with the investigations and had voluntarily closed its Texas plant. Six cases of the salmonella outbreak linked to peanut products have already been confirmed in Texas. There has been one case each in Galveston, Harris, Travis, and Willacy counties and two cases in Tarrant County. Lab tests have confirmed these outbreaks match the strain associated with the Georgia based PCA plant.

So far I have not heard of any cases of illnesses in or around San Antonio, but as officials continue investigating the Texas plant, it could mean bad news for the area. If you have heard of any local links to the Salmonella outbreak, please comment and keep us updated.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek

Full post as published by San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer on February 13, 2009 (boomark / email).