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product_liability pb-food-poisoningFood poisoning seems to be on the rise lately in the United States. The globalization of food production and the ever-increasing volume of food imports in the U.S. have increased the potential for food poisoning. Indeed, it has been estimated that each year, about 76 million cases of food poisoning occur in the U.S., resulting in about 5,000 deaths and more than 300,000 hospitalizations.
The sources of food poisoning, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, are everywhere. The huge variety of domestic and imported foods in the U.S. coupled with Americans' habit of eating at restaurants contributes to the increase in food poisoning cases. Food poisoning outbreaks have been based on products such as meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables, and even peanut butter.
Peter Pan & Great Value Peanut Butter Food Poisoning
Peter Pan peanut butter and a lesser-known brand, Great Value peanut butter, were recalled in February 2007 after a food poisoning health alert was issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At that time, more than 600 people across the U.S. had reported contracting Salmonella food poisoning after consuming these products.
The two peanut butter brands' maker, the giant food company ConAgra, voluntarily recalled all of the Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter made at its Sylvester, Georgia plant. ConAgra officials say that investigators identified a roof leak in the plant that led to the Salmonella contamination.
Salmonella Symptoms
The symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning usually show up 12 to 72 hours after an individual eats a Salmonella-contaminated Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter product. The symptoms of Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) are:
In most cases of Salmonella food poisoning, the symptoms last 4–7 days. The diarrhea can be serious enough that an infected person needs medical care. Twenty percent of the people infected in the Peter Pan/Great Value food poisoning outbreak were hospitalized.
People who are in poor health or have a weakened immune system are at a greater risk if they contract food poisoning. The Salmonella bacteria can get into the bloodstream, causing life-threatening infections.
Other Peanut Butter Products
The FDA also warned the public to discard Sonic Ready-to-Use Peanut Butter Topping and Carvel Peanut Butter Topping, two peanut butter products from the same ConAgra plant that manufactured the contaminated Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butters.
Contact a Peanut Butter Food Poisoning Attorney
If food poisoning from eating Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter has made you or a family member suffer severe illness, you can learn about your legal options when you contact a qualified personal injury attorney. Schedule a private consultation today, and explore the legal remedies for your food poisoning experience